OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasible monitoring techniques for the buried free flap. METHOD: Buried free flaps in reconstruction were monitored using combined monitoring techniques in five cases of advanced hypopharyngeal cancer The monitoring effects were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: The operations were carried out successfully and all the five patients got primary healing of incision without vascular crisis. Four patients need combined monitoring techniques to confirm the microcirculatory results of the buried free flap. CONCLUSION Application of Doppler combined with flap island was feasible on monitoring the blood supply of post-operative buried free flap, it is a good monitoring technique.
Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Free Tissue Flaps ; blood supply ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Hypopharynx ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Ultrasonography, Doppler