Clinical Analysis of Supraclavicular Flaps for the Repair of the Pharyngeal Fistula

Objectives: We explored the value of supraclavicular flaps in repairing pharyngeal fistula. Methods: Patients treated with supraclavicular flaps were included. Data on preoperative radiotherapy, surgical modality, flap size, postoperative healing, and other clinical outcomes were collected. Techniques, indications, and postoperative complications after repairing with supraclavicular flaps were described. A total of 16 male patients aged 58 to 79 years were involved, including 10 cases of postoperative pharyngeal fistula after hypopharyngeal cancer, 5 cases of postoperative pharyngeal fistula after laryngeal cancer, and 1 case of postoperative pharyngeal fistula after laryngeal and esophageal cancer. In 12 patients, the pharyngeal fistula was repaired by double island folding of the supraclavicular flap; in the remaining 4 patients, the pharyngeal fistula was repaired by the supraclavicular flaps combined with the pectoralis major flaps. The supraclavicular flap was 6 to 8 cm in width and 6 to 15 cm in length. Results: One patient developed partial necrosis at the distal end of the flap, which was successfully treated with debridement and dressing. The flaps grew well in the remaining 15 patients. Among them, a patient with a postoperative pharyngeal fistula after hypopharyngeal carcinoma was implanted with radioactive particles for tumor recurrence at the esophageal entrance, and died in the 11th month after surgery. Conclusions: The supraclavicular flap can achieve excellent results in the repair of pharyngeal fistula.