Neurotization of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap by the hypoglossal nerve in tongue reconstruction: clinical and experimental observations

Recently, neurotization has been proposed for providing mobility to the pectoralis major, or other myocutaneous flap in lingual reconstruction following total glossectomy. The development of an active tongue-like structure may offer the patient higher potential for rehabilitation of speech and deglutition. The purpose of this thesis is to report experimental and clinical observations on neurotization of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The pectoralis major myoflap of 16 rats was reinnervated by either a hypoglossal nerve pedicle of hypoglossal-genioglossus muscle neuromuscular pedicle. Functional flap reinnervation was confirmed in eight of the 16 animals. The author's clinical experience with reconstruction of the tongue utilizing neurotized pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is presented.     

Eine Möglichkeit der Pharynxrekonstruktion mit Stimmrehabilitation nach Laryngopharyngektomie

Summary In cases of large pharyngeal carcinomas resection of most of the upper digestive tract of this region is necessary.For one-stage reconstruction we use the island flap technique. The myocutaneous island flap of the pectoralis major muscle allows a variety of reconstructive possibilities by using it.For this purpose and for functional reasons we have to maintain the nerve bundles which innervate the myocutaneous island flap. Electromyographics shows the importance of this postulation.In addition to the concept of one-staged reconstruction it is essential that our technique allows surgical speech rehabilitation, tongue motility and good swallowing.     

10 years' experience on infrahyoid myocutaneous flap]

From May 1979 to December 1989, 260 infrahyoid myocutaneous flaps (IHMCFs) were used for reconstruction after resection of head and neck cancer in one stage. It has been certified that the IHMCF is a reliable versatile and convenient island myocutaneous flap, suitable for repairing the defect in the oral cavity, parotid region, oro- or hypopharynx particularly the tongue after hemi-excision of oral tongue to radical total glossectomy. The success rate of the IHMCF may be increased to 97% if the following points are noticed. 1. The sternal head of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle below the hyoid bone is included in the flap for protecting the platysma and the SCM branches of the superior thyroid artery to the IHMCF. 2. During cutting the tributaries of the internal jugular vein (IJV) below the level of the hyoid bone for increasing movability of the IHMCF, the cutting points must be near the anterior edge of IJV for preserving the communicating veins between the anterior jugular vein and IJV. 3. For reconstructing the oral tongue, the medial edge of the IHMCF must be designed 1 cm beyond that of the defect after partial excision of the oral tongue. Since the application of the IHMCF, the incidence of the tongue carcinoma patient (TCP) with T4 has increased from zero to 53%. The 5-year cure rate of the TCP with stage IV has raised from 11% to 42%. For N0 and N1 cases, the pure neck failure after modified neck dissection with preservation of lower 2/3 or whole length of the IJV was similar to that of the radical neck dissection.     

The sternocleidomastoid flap--its indications and limitations.

HYPOTHESIS: The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap seems to be a practicable but underestimated flap for reconstructive and plastic surgery of the head and neck. OBJECTIVES: To determine in which situations the SCM flap may represent a reliable alternative to other flaps used in head and neck surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis of the complete literature on the SCM flap. SETTING: All literature found dealing with the SCM flap was reviewed, with special emphasis placed on the indications and success rates reported. The data presented are compared with our own morphologic findings and their putative clinical implications. RESULTS: Four types of SCM flap have been described: the muscle flap, the myocutaneous flap, the myoperiosteal flap, and the myosseus or osteomuscular flap. The SCM flap was either superiorly or inferiorly based. The SCM muscle flap was used in a total of 72 patients with only 1 major complication and 7 minor complications. The complication rate, therefore, is 11%. The applications of the muscle flap involved prevention of Frey's syndrome, closure of orocutaneous fistulae and soft tissue deficiencies, closure of pharyngocutaneous and cervical esophageal fistulae, and reconstruction of the tongue. Furthermore, Conley reported on the use of the SCM muscle flap in a group of 30 patients to reanimate the face, reconstruct oral cavity defects, protect the carotid and innominate artery, and even to aid shoulder elevation after poliomyelitis. The SCM myocutaneous flap seems to be the most common application, with a total of 138 patients. All in all, a total of 29 complications (21%) was reported, with partial skin necrosis by far the most frequent. Total failure of the flap has been described in 10 patients (7%). The SCM myocutaneous flap was used for closure of defects of the mouth as well as oro-, pharyngo-, and tracheocutaneous fistulae, facial reconstruction, reconstruction of mastoid defects, and reconstruction of the laryngotracheal complex in children. The SCM myosseus or osteomuscular flap was reported in 23 patients. Flap necrosis is reported in 1 case (4%). The SCM osteomuscular flap was used to reconstruct defects of the lower jaw in all patients. The SCM myoperiosteal flap was used in a total of 49 patients. The complication rate reported is 6% (3 cases). The myoperiosteal flap was used for reconstruction of the laryngotracheal complex in adults and for esophagopharyngeal reconstruction and fistula repair. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in previous literature is well correlated with our own morphologic findings. In comparison of the different techniques applied with the assumptions drawn on the basis of our own anatomic findings, it becomes evident that the SCM flap is only a useful tool in limited indications and under certain precautions.     

Functional outcome after total parotidectomy reconstruction

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to compare and contrast the functional and cosmetic outcomes of patients who underwent total parotidectomy with and without reconstruction using an inferiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review in the setting of a university medical center. METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent a total parotidectomy. Fifteen patients had reconstruction with an inferiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap, and nine patients had no reconstruction. Clinical examination was performed independently by two head and neck surgeons and one aesthetician to evaluate cosmetic outcome, presence of gustatory flushing or sweating, and return of facial nerve and greater auricular nerve function. RESULTS: With the mean follow-up of 22 months, the group having reconstruction showed a better cosmetic outcome compared with the group without reconstruction. Objective testing for Frey syndrome demonstrated gustatory sweating in 20% of the group having reconstruction group versus 22% in the group without reconstruction. There was no difference in length of operation, hospital stay, or facial nerve function. Objective testing of facial sensation revealed that only 40% in the group having reconstruction had normal sensation to light touch compared with 78% in the group without reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The inferiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap offers improved cosmetic results in patients undergoing total parotidectomy. However, there is a decreased return of greater auricular nerve function, probably attributable to relocation of the nerve stump anteriorly. Benefit was not seen in prevention of Frey syndrome measured objectively; however, the group having reconstruction had fewer clinical symptoms of gustatory sweating or flushing.     

The temporalis muscle flap for reconstruction after head and neck oncologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To explain the applications, technique, and potential complications of the temporalis muscle flap used for immediate or delayed reconstruction of head and neck oncologic defects. STUDY DESIGN: Fresh cadaver dissection and 5-year retrospective chart review. METHODS: A fresh cadaver dissection was performed to illustrate the surgical anatomy of the temporalis muscle flap with attention to specific techniques useful in avoiding donor site morbidity (facial nerve injury and temporal hollowing). A chart review was performed for 13 consecutive patients from the last 5 years who underwent temporalis muscle flap reconstruction after oncologic resection of the lateral and posterior pharyngeal wall, hard and soft palate, buccal space, retromolar trigone, and skull base. RESULTS: Patient follow-up ranged from 2 to 45 months. Nine patients had radiation therapy. There were no cases of flap loss. Resection of the zygomatic arch followed by wire fixation facilitates flap rotation and minimizes trauma to the flap during placement into the oropharynx. Preservation of the temporal fat pad attachment to the scalp flap decreases temporal hollowing and protects the facial nerve. Replacing the zygoma and preserving the anterior third of the temporalis muscle in situ further diminishes donor-site hollowing. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other regional flaps, such as the pectoralis myocutaneous flap, the temporalis muscle flap is associated with low donor-site esthetic and functional morbidity and offers great flexibility in reconstruction. The temporalis muscle flap is a useful, reliable flap that belongs in the armamentarium of surgeons who are involved with reconstruction of head and neck tissue defects.     

改良的胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣在头颈外科的应用

目的 总结保护供区胸大肌功能和颈部外形美观的改良式胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣安全制作方法 .方法 采用改良的胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣修复头颈部缺损17例,其中6例复发性喉癌和下咽癌,4例下咽癌,3例舌根癌,2例复发性上颌窦癌,1例扁桃体癌,1例术后下咽癌术后咽瘘.术前超声检查标记胸肩峰动脉胸肌支走行,以胸肌支最下一个分支进入胸肌的起始位置(最下入肌点)和内乳动脉第四肋间穿支连线为轴设计单血管蒂的岛状肌皮瓣;在皮瓣顶部切口水平向外沿腋前线向上切开;保留胸内侧和部分胸外侧神经;维持胸大肌锁骨部完整,经锁骨上或锁骨下将肌皮瓣送到受区.结果 术中发现胸肩峰动脉胸肌支最下入肌点全部分布在胸肋部,该点距锁骨中点最下缘平均(4.9±1.2)cm(x±s,下同),术前超声定位最下入肌点的准确率为76.5%(13/17);内乳动脉的第四肋间穿支距离胸骨外侧缘(1.8±0.5)cm.17例胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣中,除1例下咽癌术中解离血管蒂时损伤血管放弃外,其余16例均成活,手术成功率为94.1%.术后1例舌根癌患者胸大肌远端与残舌分离,通过换药缝合后痊愈;2例出现术后咽瘘,均系放疗后复发下咽癌,换药后创面愈合.术后4周至3个月复查,胸大肌功能正常,颈部外形良好.结论 改良胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣不仅保留了胸大肌结构和功能,实现高位缺损的修复,还维持颈部和上胸部良好外观.术前超声检查标记胸肩峰动脉的胸肌支走行和最下入肌点位置有利于术中准确操作.     

Platysma myocutaneous flap revisited

The platysma myocutaneous flap has seen limited application in the reconstruction of head and neck defects over the past decade. There are anatomical and physiological reasons for this. There has been an emphasis on the anatomical vascular supply and method of preparation of the platysma myocutaneous flap and its use in the oral cavity. This article emphasizes the use of this flap for reconstruction of defects of the base of tongue, hypopharynx, lateral pharyngeal wall, and supraglottis. The criteria for selection of the platysma myocutaneous flap as a method of reconstruction, and the limitations, are outlined. New variations of harvesting the flap based on randomized muscular support are described. Specific complications as seen in our group of patients add certain precautions in the use of the platysma myocutaneous flap.     

Sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap

The sternocleidomastoid myocutancous flap has several applications for reconstruction of defects about the head and neck. It is used for augmentation of facial defects, carotid artery protection, and repair of oral cavity defects. Additional reconstructive efforts suggest the sternocleidomastoid myocutancous flap can be used for facial reanimation and as an osteomyocutaneous flap incorporating the clavicle for mandibular reconstruction. Reports of unreliable viability and resection of the sternocleidomastoid muscle during neck dissection decreases the applicability of the flap. Twenty-seven sternocleidomastoid flaps were used in 26 patients for head and neck reconstruction. In contrast to the reported 40% to 50% incidence of superficial slough or total flap necrosis, three (11%) flaps developed superficial (cutaneous) slough while two patients developed inclusion cysts. The technique includes elevation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle with the overlying platysma and skin originally described by Owens. The procedure is modified by removing the epithelium on the tunneled portion of the flap. This allows the flap to be used as a one-stage method of reconstruction without sacrificing the additional blood supply from the platysma and overlying dermis.     

跨声门癌扩大部分喉切除术重建方法与疗效评价

目的 探讨跨声门癌在保证根治肿的前提下恢复喉的发音、呼吸、吞咽防护功能。方法 对41例跨声门癌施行扩大部分喉切除术,包括扩大垂直喉切除术26例（25／41）,扩大额侧喉切除术5例（5／41）,次全喉切除术10例（10／41）。主要应用胸骨舌骨肌、颈阔肌双蒂转门肌皮瓣等同期进行缺损喉腔的重建。其中应用转门肌皮瓣修复27例,胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复7例,舌骨肌瓣修复5例,胸锁乳突肌和筋膜修复2例。结果 总的3年、5年生存率分别为85．7％（30／35）、74．1％（20／27）,Ⅲ期患者3年、5年生存率分别为84．6％（22／26）、76．2％（16／21）,Ⅳ期患者分别为3／4、1／2。总的气管套管拔出率为87．8％（36／41）,应用颈前转门肌皮瓣修复组拔管率为96．3％（26／27）,胸骨舌骨肌瓣为5／7,舌骨肌瓣为4／5,胸锁乳突肌瓣为1／2。全部患者恢复了发音功能,语音响应清晰者92．7％（38／41）,吞咽防护功能全部恢复。结论 中、晚期跨声门癌选择性地施行功能保全性喉手术是可行性;应用转门肌皮瓣进行缺损喉腔重建可获得满意的喉功能恢复效果。     

跨声门癌扩大部分喉切除术重建方法与疗效评价

目的探讨跨声门癌在保证根治肿瘤的前提下恢复喉的发音、呼吸、吞咽防护功能。方法对41例跨声门癌施行扩大部分喉切除术,包括扩大垂直喉切除术26例（26/41）,扩大额侧喉切除术5例（5/41）,次全喉切除术10例（10/41）。主要应用胸骨舌骨肌、颈阔肌双蒂转门肌皮瓣等同期进行缺损喉腔的重建。其中应用转门肌皮瓣修复27例,胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复7例,舌骨肌瓣修复5例,胸锁乳突肌和筋膜修复2例。结果总的3年、5年生存率分别为85.7%(30/35)、74.1%(20/27),III期患者3年、5年生存率分别为84.6%(22/26)、76.2%(16/21),IV期患者分别为3/4、1/2。总的气管套管拔出率为87.8%(36/41),应用颈前转门肌皮瓣修复组拔管率为96.3％（26/27）,胸骨舌骨肌瓣为5/7,舌骨肌瓣为4/5,胸锁乳突肌瓣为1/2。全部患者恢复了发音功能,语音响亮清晰者92.7%(38/41),吞咽防护功能全部恢复。结论中、晚期跨声门癌选择性地施行功能保全性喉手术是可行的;应用转门肌皮瓣进行缺损喉腔重建可获得满意的喉功能恢复效果。     

10种移植物修复头颈缺损的体会

１９８３年１２月－１９９４年１２月应用１０种组织瓣修复头颈肿瘤切除术后缺损１０３例，其中吻合血管的髂骨游离移植１１例，带血管蒂的上斜方肌肌皮瓣７例，后置舌瓣２例，胸大肌肌皮瓣３０例，舌骨下肌皮瓣２２例，前额皮瓣２０例，外侧斜方肌肌皮瓣４例，胸锁乳突肌肌皮瓣２例，。胸锁乳突肌锁骨瓣２例，颈阔肌肌皮瓣３例。作者对不同移植物的利弊，适应证和临床应用体会进行了讨论。     

Pectoralis major muscle flap in head and neck reconstruction

Pectoralis major muscle flaps have rarely been used on their own for head and neck reconstruction. Some of the problems experienced with myocutaneous flaps can be avoided by the judicious use of muscle flaps. These include suture line separation, excessive bulk, hair growth from the flap, and alteration of breast position. In contrast to the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, the pectoralis major muscle flap is light and pliable. When it is employed for reconstruction in the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx, it can be covered by a "quilted" skin graft or used on its own. We believe that pectoralis major muscle flaps provide a valuable alternative to the more bulky myocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction.     

Sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for intraoral reconstruction

Summary The results of healing of the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap in 22 patients operated upon because of cancer of the tongue and floor of the mouth are presented. An inferiorly based island flap was used in 5 patients. Although total or partial cutaneous necrosis occurred in 4 of the patients, the wound healed without fistula formation in all cases. A superiorly based compound flap was used in 17 patients and in 5 of them the oral part of the skin underwent total or partial necrosis.Presented at the Fourth Symposium of Oncology in Otorhinolaryngology, Pozna, 26 June 1988     

喉癌喉部分切除术后喉狭窄Ⅱ期喉重建术临床评价

目的 使喉部分切除和扩大喉部分切除术后长期带管者去除气管套管,恢复喉的发音、呼吸、吞咽防护功能和正常颈部外观。方法 对19例喉癌喉部分切除术后切除术后喉狭窄患者,应用颈前双蒂转门肌皮瓣等方法进行Ⅱ期喉重建术,其中包括垂直喉切除Ⅱ期喉重建术6例（6/19）,扩大垂直喉切除术11例（11/19）,额侧喉切除术2例（2/19）。应用颈前双蒂转门肌皮瓣修复17例,胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复1例,胸锁乳容肌和筋膜修复1例。结果 3、5年生存率分别为91.7%（11/12）和3/5。19例中去除气管套管16例（其中包括2例行2次Ⅱ期喉重建术）。总的气管套管拔出率为84.2%（16/19）,应用转门肌皮瓣修复组拔管率为94.1%（16/17）,胸骨舌骨肌瓣和胞锁乳突肌瓣修复组均未能拔管（0/2）,拔管困难3例。术后全部患者能够发音,语言交流无困难。其中语音响亮清晰者为94.7%（18/19）,重度声音嘶哑者为5.3%（1/19）。全部患者恢复正常进食,绝大多数患者进食无误咽,2例初期进流食出现轻度误咽,1-2周误咽克服,恢复正常经口进食。结论 中、晚期喉癌选择性地施行功能保全性喉手术是可行的;应用转门肌皮瓣进行Ⅱ期喉重建术,可使喉部分切除术后长期带管者去除气管套管,重新获得经口鼻呼吸和满意的发音、吞咽防护功能效果。     

头颈部岛状肌皮瓣和皮瓣的改良设计及临床应用

目的　探讨制作单一血管为蒂的头颈部局部带蒂肌皮瓣或皮瓣的安全性。方法　解剖学观察20例胸肩峰动脉分支,观察最远入肌点走行特征。通过术前超声观察和术中透视法观察定位最远入肌点,在最远入肌点上方1～2 cm断离肌肉,形成单纯动静脉血管为蒂的胸大肌岛状肌肌皮瓣。利用同样的技术方法,设计岛状的胸锁乳突肌、下位斜方肌的岛状肌皮瓣。结果　解剖学观察胸肩峰动脉分支分为单支型12.5%（5/40）,双支型67.5%（27/40）,多支型20%（8/40）。术前超声定位胸大肌皮瓣的最远入肌点成功率为29.1%（14/48）,DSA成功显影乳内动脉穿支66.7%（12/18）,共完成胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣48例,乳内动脉岛状皮瓣12例,颏瓣18例,下位斜方肌岛状肌皮瓣4例,胸锁乳突肌岛状肌皮瓣4例,颈横血管岛状皮瓣3例,胸肩峰动脉穿支的岛状皮瓣3例。失败2例,1例为胸大肌肌皮瓣的岛状设计中电刀误伤胸肩峰动脉胸肌支;1例为颈横血管浅支,术中修复扁桃体癌咽侧壁缺损。3例胸大肌部分坏死,清理完坏死组织,换药后痊愈。结论　在头颈部设计单一血管为蒂的岛状肌皮瓣（皮瓣）的改良设计安全可行,在受区皮瓣容易塑形固定,供区不仅外形美观且功能保全。     

Immediate reconstruction after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and mediastinal dissection

Advanced or recurrent carcinoma surrounding the tracheostoma in a previously laryngectomized patient is most effectively treated with transsternal radical dissection of the upper mediastinum and relocation of the trachea to the upper chest. The use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, now enables the head and neck surgeon to perform immediate reconstruction and provide protection for the great vessels after mediastinal dissection for stomal recurrence. Formerly, patients with stomal recurrence also involving the cervical or upper thoracic esophagus were poor surgical candidates. Frequently, patients succumbed to their disease before the continuity of the digestive tract could be re-established. Currently, at our institution, this vexing reconstructive problem is solved with immediate, one-stage reconstruction. The esophagus is replaced by transposing the stomach through the posterior mediastinum and anastomosing to the tongue base, "gastric pull-up." The mediastinal defect is closed with the concomitant use of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap. The muscular portion of the myocutaneous flap provides excellent coverage for the great vessels of the upper mediastinum. Our experience with 39 patients who underwent this procedure between 1979 and 1983 is presented.     

下咽、颈段食管癌手术切除后保留喉功能与发声重建

目的：探讨下咽、颈段食管癌根治术患者喉功能保留与发声重建的手术方法。方法：对16例下咽、颈段食管癌患者手术切除肿瘤后，实施保留全喉及部分喉切除喉功能重建；全喉切除后Blom-Singer 1期、2期发声重建术，同时下咽及颈段食管缺损分别采用胃－咽吻合、前臂游离皮瓣、胸大肌肌皮瓣、胸三角皮瓣、胸锁乳突肌肌皮瓣，颈前肌皮瓣、喉气管粘膜瓣等方法进行整复。保留全喉8例，保留部分喉喉重建3例，全喉切除后行Blom-Singer发声重建1期4例，2期1例。结果：16例中除1例术后14d心脏病变发死亡外，均恢复了吞咽功能，13例恢复发声功能，6例恢复了全喉功能，2例恢复了部分喉功能（不能拔管）。5例行Blom-Singer发声重建者，均发声成功。结论：依据患者病变部位、肿瘤分期、身体状况、年龄等因素，切除肿瘤后采用不同的手术方法行喉功能保留及发声重建，可提高患者术后生存质量。     

舌骨下肌皮瓣修复口腔肿瘤术后缺损27例临床分析

目的 分析比较舌骨下肌皮瓣修复口腔肿瘤术后缺损时不同手术操作要点及相应临床转归.方法 回顾性分析四川省肿瘤医院头颈外科1994年5月-2007年3月完成27例舌骨下肌皮瓣修复口腔肿瘤术后缺损,男19例,女8例;16例口底鳞癌,7例舌鳞癌,4例舌根鳞痛;均为单侧舌骨下肌皮瓣,最大肌皮瓣4 cm×8 cm.8例自肌皮瓣远端逆血管走行掀起并携带同侧胸锁乳突肌下1/3部分肌肉组织(逆行法肌皮瓣成形),19例先利用显微操作技巧顺血管走行解剖出血管蒂后掀起肌皮瓣(顺行法肌皮瓣成形).27例中11例保留血管蒂及舌骨下肌在舌骨的附着(复合蒂),16例仅以甲状腺上动静脉为蒂,颈前静脉伴行(轴犁血管蒂);其中21例肌皮瓣制作时于面总静脉汇入点以远结扎颈内静脉远心端,并保留肌皮瓣内的颈前静脉(干预回流).供区直接拉拢缝合.结果 27例肌皮瓣中干预回流的21例全部成活,成活率77.8%;2例肌皮瓣全部坏死,4例肌皮瓣部分皮肤坏死,这6例均为携带了同侧胸锁乳突肌的逆行法复合蒂肌皮瓣成形,坏死原因均为静脉回流障碍.顺行法成形的19例舌骨下肌皮瓣伞部成活,其中采用轴型血管蒂的16例肌皮瓣全部成活.随访9个月至13年,中位随访时间4年,失访4例,随访23例均未见复发于肌皮瓣的肿瘤.肿瘤原发灶复发3例,颈淋巴结复发6例,Kaplan-Meier法统计3年、5年累积生存率分别为69.8%和47.2%.结论 为提高舌骨下肌皮瓣成活率,手术人路以顺行法肌皮瓣成形为宜,解剖轴型血管蒂力求遵循显微操作技术,特别应注意保证静脉回流.携带同侧胸锁乳突肌部分肌肉组织及保留舌骨下肌在舌骨的附着不会增加肌皮瓣的成活率.     

Platysma myocutaneous flap for repair of hypopharyngeal strictures

Hypopharyngeal strictures, either isolated or in conjunction with laryngeal and esophageal strictures, can occur following lye ingestion. Extensive stricture formation requires reconstruction to create a functional funnel system that empties below the cricoid. Esophageal replacement is not a substitute for adequate hypopharyngeal reconstruction. The pectoralis major muscle is often inadequate, because it yields too much bulk and often leads to continued aspiration. The platysma myocutaneous flap for hypopharyngeal reconstruction has not been previously reported. The inferiorly based platysma myocutaneous flap was used in two of our patients with lye burns, and bilateral superiorly based flaps were used in one. All are able to eat normally and have no significant stenosis. The platysma myocutaneous flap is a relatively simple and reliable alternative that is within the capability of every head and neck surgeon.