OBJECTIVETo investigate the treatment outcomes of modified sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap with a pedicle containing superior thyroid artery in repairing postoperative hypopharyngeal defect.

METHODSFrom Dec. 2003 to Sep. 2010, the modified sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap was used to restore defect postoperation of hypopharynx defect for twelve patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma, age range from 47 to 72 years old. No patients had treated by radiotherapy before operation. Of 12 patients, 5 cases in T2N0M0, 5 cases in T3N1M0 and 2 cases in T4N1M0.

RESULTSTwo cases in T4 with thyroid invasion and 2 cases in T3 with vocal cord fixation had total laryngectomy, and the other 8 cases were non reserved with laryngeal functions. To shape flap with middle and lower segment of sternocleidomastoid muscle and with superior artery as pedicle. All flaps survived after operation. The following-up time was 7-88 months (median 30 months). Four patients died of recurrence or metastasis of tumor during following-up.

CONCLUSIONSModified sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap with pedicle is easy to harvest, with smaller damage and a higher survival rate, which is a good flap for the repair of the hypopharyngeal defect after resecting tumour.