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Preservation of the larynx after resection of a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx: Versatility of a free flap patch graft
Author(s) -
Nakatsuka Takashi,
Harii Kiyonori,
Ueda Kazuki,
Ebihara Satoshi,
Asai Masao,
Hirano Kouichi,
Yoshizumi Takashi,
Sugasawa Tadashi
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199703)19:2<137::aid-hed9>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - medicine , larynx , surgery , free flap , carcinoma , resection , posterior wall , head and neck
Background Preservation of the larynx after resection of a pharyngeal tumor remains a challenging problem for the head and neck surgeon. Methods Nine patients with T1 or T2 carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx (UICC 1987), who were treated surgically between 1984 and 1994, were studied. All patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor with laryngeal preservation and immediate reconstruction with free flap transfer. A free forearm flap was transferred in four patients and a free jejunal patch graft, in five patients. Results There was one flap loss, due to venous thrombosis. Successful larynx preservation was achieved in the remaining eight patients (89%). Although there was one local control failure, three patients remained free of disease for more than 5 years. Conclusions Laryngeal preservation surgery using a free flap patch graft has proven very beneficial in selected cases with a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19 : 137–142, 1997.