Perichondrial microvascular free transfer: creation of a compound flap for laryngeal reconstruction in rabbits.

A free revascularized compound perichondrial flap was used over an intralaryngeally placed stent for reconstruction of a frontal laryngeal defect. The microvascular flap replaced the cartilaginous and mucosal defect. Short-term results showed successful reconstruction with a patent airway and viable mucosa. The vascularized sheet of perichondrium was not chosen for its neochondrogenetic effect, but it served as a vascular bed, nourishing the mucous and cartilaginous components in the compound flap. It is suggested that for clinical purposes the reliable fascia forearm flap, which is available in large amounts, can be used as a transferable vascularized bed with a thickness comparable to that of the perichondrial flap.