Objective: Superior thyroid artery (SThA) is a common recipient artery in free tissue transfer even after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (TPLE) with hemithyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of SThA as a recipient vessel affect thyroid function in patients undergoing TPLE with hemithyroidectomy.
Methods: From 2011 to 2020, 91 patients who underwent free jejunum transfer after TPLE with hemithyroidectomy were divided into two groups. In Group1 (n = 47), the contralateral SThA was used for the anastomosis. In Group2 (n = 44), other vessels were used. Retrospective chart review was performed comparing postoperative thyroid function between two groups.
Results: In group1, 17 patients presented hypothyroidism, 21 presented latent hypothyroidism and 9 presented no thyroid dysfunction comparing 15, 19, and 10 respectively in group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion: Even after hemithyroidectomy, with inferior thyroid arteries are preserved, the SThA can be used as a recipient vessel.
Level of evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:557-561, 2023.
Keywords: head and neck reconstruction; microvascular anastomosis; recipient artery; superior thyroid artery.
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