Laparoscopic harvest of the gastro-omental free flap for reconstruction after total pharyngolaryngectomy: Operative technique

Circumferential defects following salvage pharyngolaryngectomy present significant challenges in reconstructive surgery. The gastro-omental free flap has been shown to reduce the incidence of major fistula and catastrophic complications. The current technique for harvest of the flap requires laparotomy, which is potentially associated with significant post-operative complications. Laparoscopic harvest of the gastro-omental free flap can negate some of the risks associated with open surgery. We describe here the operative technique for laparoscopic gastro-omental free flap harvest for use in reconstruction following total pharyngolaryngectomy.