Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer — Technical updates and long-term results

ObjectiveTransoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was developed as a non-robotic procedure for en bloc laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer resection. Straight devices had been used for this procedure, however, some cases had difficulty to reach the lesions especially in hypopharyngeal area. To overcome this problem, technical updates to facilitate transoral manipulation were developed and long term oncological and functional results were analyzed.MethodsSurgical indications were Tis, T1, T2 and selected T3 cases. In advanced T3 or T4 lesions, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed before surgery. Radiation failure cases (rT1 and rT2) were also indicated for TOVS. Resectable nodal involvement can be managed by combination of neck dissection. Ninety hypopharyngeal and 25 supraglottic cancer cases were retrospectively reviewed for survival analyses. In fresh hypopharyngeal cancer, 51 Stage 0–II disease and 32 Stage III-IV disease were included. In supraglottic cancer, 11 Stage I–II disease and 9 Stage III-IV disease were included. Twelve radiation failure cases were analyzed separately. As new devices, malleable forceps and malleable suction coagulator were introduced to reach the whole laryngo-hypopharynx. New curved blades for the FKWO retractor were developed and these were applied for difficult hypopharyngeal exposure cases by conventional blades. Swallowing functional outcome and risk factors for postoperative dysphagia were evaluated by univariate analysis.ResultsThe 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival and larynx preservation rate of fresh hypopharyngeal cancer cases were 83.2%, 94.3% and 94.6%, respectively. Those of supraglottic cancer cases were 80%, 95% and 94.7%, respectively. Those of salvage cases were 87.5%, 87.5% and 82.5%, respectively. Those of T3 and T4 hypopharyngeal cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with TOVS were 75.0%, 82.5% and 100% respectively.Surgical complication included bleeding (2.6%) and emergency tracheostomy (3.4%). Oral intake was maintained in 94.8% cases. By univariate analysis, patient’s age (especially 80 years of age or older), larger resected area, arytenoid resection and tracheostomy were regarded as risk factors for postoperative dysphagia.Among 31 recent cases, 5 cases had difficulty in exposing hypopharyngeal lesions by conventional blades. These exposure problems were solved by curved blades.ConclusionUsing malleable devices and new curved blades for the FKWO retractor, exposure problems in the hypopharynx could be solved and TOVS could be applied in more cases. Although oncological outcomes and functional outcomes were good, patients with risk factors for dysphagia should be carefully indicated.     

Evaluation of the usefulness of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the ValsamouthⓇ by an otolaryngologist in patients with Hypopharyngeal cancer

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the usefulness of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Valsamouth^? by an otolaryngologist in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer to assess the risk.MethodsThe study group comprised 41 patients with untreated hypopharyngeal cancer that was precisely diagnosed by an otolaryngologist using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Valsamouth^? at our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. With upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Valsamouth^?, the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and esophagus were observed in this order. Narrow-band imaging, and subsequently, white-light observation were performed. At the hypopharynx, vocalization, and subsequently, the Valsalva maneuver were performed. After observing the esophagus, Lugol chromoendoscopy of the esophagus was performed.ResultsThe mean age of the 38 men and 3 women included in the study was 69.7 ± 10.0 years (range, 51–94 years). As for the T category of hypopharyngeal cancer, T1 cancer was observed in 9 patients, T2 cancer in 14, T3 cancer in 11, and T4 cancer in 7. With vocalization, the grade of visualization in the hypopharynx was 1 in 30 patients (73.2%), 2 in 11 patients (26.8%), and 3 or more in 0 patients (0.0%). With the Valsalva maneuver, the grade of visualization in the hypopharynx was 1 in 1 patient (2.4%), 2 in 15 patients (36.6%), 3 in 8 patients (19.5%), 4 in 11 patients (26.8%), and 5 in 6 patients (14.6%). The grade of visualization in the hypopharynx on average was 1.27 after vocalization and 3.15 after the Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.001). With vocalization, the percentage of patients in whom the entire image of hypopharyngeal cancer could be observed was 0.0% for grade 1 and 18.2% for grade 2. With the Valsalva maneuver, the percentage of patients in whom the entire image of hypopharyngeal cancer could be observed was 0.0% for grade 1, 40.0% for grade 2, 50.0% for grade 3, 86.1% for grade 4, and 100% for grade 5. Synchronous esophageal cancers were detected in 17.1% (7/41) of the patients. The grade of Lugol-voiding lesions was A in 5.6%, B in 52.8%, and C in 41.7%.ConclusionThe examination with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Valsamouth^? by an otolaryngologist is feasible in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. This procedure can detect synchronous esophageal cancer, allowing the risk of metachronous cancer in the head and neck or the esophagus to be recognized after the treatment.     

Three cases of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia that developed after head and neck cancer therapy

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) causes intestinal necrosis due to irreversible ischemia of the intestinal tract despite the absence of organic obstruction in the mesenteric blood vessels. The disease has extremely poor prognosis. We report three cases of NOMI hypothesized to have developed after head and neck cancer therapy; thus, we report these cases considering the available literature. Case 1: A 74-year-old man with T2N0M0 stage Ⅱ oropharyngeal carcinoma complained of abdominal pain 5 days after chemoradiotherapy. The patient was diagnosed with NOMI, and an emergency surgery was performed. Case 2: A 69-year-old man with T2N2bM0 stage IVA hypopharyngeal carcinoma complained of abdominal pain during TPF chemotherapy. The patient was diagnosed with NOMI, and he died on the same day. Case 3: A 82-year-old man with T2N2bM0 stage IVA hypopharyngeal carcinoma complained of abdominal pain with reduced level of consciousness, 5 days after total laryngopharyngectomy. The patient was diagnosed with NOMI, and an emergency surgery was performed on the same day. We therefore suggest that ENT physicians must be aware of NOMI as a complication that can develop after head and neck cancer therapy.     

Scar contracture prevention with local steroid injections in transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local steroid injections to prevent scar contracture after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) in hypopharyngeal cancer patients.MethodsPatients were enrolled in this study if they had received a local steroid injection during TOVS and had attended an outpatient clinic after at least three months. All patients were being treated for hypopharyngeal cancer and received a single session of triamcinolone acetonide, injected using a 21-gage needle. Retrospective chart reviews were performed, and the degree of scar contracture, pharyngeal stenosis, vocal fold movements, and adverse events were evaluated. Scar contracture was assessed using a scoring system, which compared the endoscopic findings of treatment and matched pair control groups.ResultsA total of 20 patients received local steroid injections during TOVS and were enrolled in the treatment. Scar contracture was seen in 14 patients (70%); however, the degree of scar contracture was significantly decreased when compared to control cases. Vocal fold immobility was observed in five patients, but no pharyngeal stenosis was noted. Adverse effects, such as postoperative laryngeal chondritis or cervical spondylitis, were seen in three patients who had previously been treated with resection to the muscularis propria or definitive irradiation.ConclusionLocal steroid injection during TOVS significantly reduced the degree of postoperative scar contracture. However, caution should be used when treating with local steroid injection during TOVS, as this may complicate wound healing in patients who have already received treatment.     

T4b期下咽癌非手术综合治疗77例回顾性分析

目的:分析非手术综合治疗T4b期下咽癌的有效性、安全性及影响临床预后的因素。方法:回顾性分析2010年1月至2021年6月解放军总医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科医学部收治的77例下咽癌T4b期患者的临床资料,均为男性,年龄（57.0±8.0）岁。治疗方式均采用诱导化疗+同步放化疗,总结该组患者的治疗完成率和不良反应,并利用Kap...     

ENT manifestation in COVID-19 patients

Objectiveto detect, analyze and discuss the different ear nose throat (ENT) manifestations those were reported in COVID19 positive patients in the reviewed and published literatures.MethodsWe performed a search in the PubMed databases, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane Library using the keywords; COVID-19, Novel coronavirus, corona, 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2, ENT, ear, nose, throat, otorhinolaryngology, ORL, pharynx, ORL, smell, larynx, different ENT related symptoms. We reviewed published and peer reviewed studies that reported the ENT manifestations in COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients.Resultswithin the included 1773 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients, the most common ENT manifestations of COVID-19 were sore throat (11.3%) and headache (10.7%). While the other reported ENT manifestations were pharyngeal erythema (5.3%), nasal congestion (4.1%), runny nose or rhinorrhea (2.1%), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (1.9%), and tonsil enlargement (1.3%).ConclusionENT manifestations for COVID-19 are not common as fever and cough. But, a universal questionnaire using well-defined COVID-19 manifestations is needed to make the COVID-19 data precisely defined, complete and homogenous.     

T staging of the laryngohypopharyngeal carcinoma. A 7-year multidisciplinary experience

Sixty-six whole-organ sectioned, nonirradiated, laryngopharyngectomy specimens that were removed because of cancer during a 7-year period were uniformly examined to determine the accuracy of perioperative T staging by high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and clinical evaluation (indirect-direct laryngoscopy) by comparing this preoperative staging with the postsurgical pathologic staging. The accuracy of the clinical vs CT staging for laryngeal carcinomas was 58.8% vs 70.6%, whereas the accuracy of the staging by combination of the two modalities was 88.2%. Combined staging modalities showed the same accuracy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas (88.2%), whereas clinical staging accuracy for hypopharyngeal carcinomas was lower (52.9%) and CT accuracy was higher (82.4%) than that observed for laryngeal carcinomas. In the majority of the cases that were staged inaccurately, the error was one of under-estimation: in particular, tumors confined to the mucosa and early infiltration of laryngeal fat spaces were not detected by CT.     

保留喉功能喉咽癌的手术切除与修复

目的 评价喉咽癌保留喉功能手术临床治疗效果和影响预后因素.方法 回顾性分析1974年9月至2003年7月收治的45例喉咽癌保留喉功能手术临床治疗效果.其中梨状窝癌23例,环后癌13例,喉咽后壁癌9例.术前放疗2例,放疗量40～50 Gy;术后放疗32例,放疗剂量60～70 Gy.分析影响患者生存率的危险因素.结果 45例保留喉功能术后发音清晰者88.9%,发音轻度含混者占11.1%;23例拔除气管套管,拔管率51.1%,全部能进普食.出现术后并发症19例(42.2%);术后颈部淋巴结转移20例,占44.4%.Kaplan-Meier法统计全组患者5年生存率为53.3%.T1+T2组和T3+T4组患者术后5年生存率分别为66.7%和43.3%;cN0和cN1、cN2组生存率分别为65.2%和46.7%、28.6%;病理分化程度高、中和低组生存率分别为62.3%、42.1%和30.8%.单因素分析生存率与术前有无颈淋巴转移及病理分化程度有关(x2值为5.297和11.556,P值为0.021和0.003).Cox回归多因素分析显示,术前有无颈淋巴转移和病理分化程度是影响预后的独立危险因素(x2值为4.365和4.600,P值为0.041和0.032,OR值1.151和0.610).结论 喉咽癌保留喉功能手术为T1、T2患者的最佳术式,部分T3、T4晚期喉咽癌也可以采用保留喉功能手术.正确选择颈清扫的方法,有助于提高喉咽癌保留喉功能手术的生存率.     

半侧舌根组织瓣在咽腔侧方缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨下咽癌切除后应用半侧舌根组织瓣修复咽腔侧方缺损的效果。 方法 回顾性分析 2014年10月~2016年4月于山东大学齐鲁医院(青岛)行下咽癌切除并同期行半侧舌根组织瓣修补咽腔侧方缺损患者36例,其中梨状窝癌29例,下咽后壁癌7例,肿瘤均累及咽腔侧方。临床分期:Ⅱ期3例,Ⅲ期7例,ⅣA期25例,ⅣB期1例。统计并分析患者3年生存率、术后并发症发生率、咽喉功能恢复情况及喉功能保留率。 结果 所有患者肿瘤完整切除,病理示切缘阴性,均保留喉功能,吞咽、吞咽保护功能好(均于术后10~14 d拔除鼻饲管,顺利经口进食)。其中34例患者顺利拔除气管套管,气管套管拔除率94.4%。术后咽瘘发生1例,经短期换药后愈合,咽瘘发生率2.8%。36例患者3年生存率69.4%。 结论 半侧舌根组织瓣就近取材,操作简便,咽瘘发生率低,在咽腔侧方缺损修复中符合解剖及功能重建的要求。     

下咽癌颈淋巴转移相关因素的研究

目的研究下咽癌颈淋巴转移的特点、规律及对预后的影响。方法收集1985-2000年住院治疗下咽癌患者108例，均经手术治疗，且术前未行放疗和化疗。根据1992年国际抗癌联合会（UICC）分期标准进行分期分级。手术后将下咽癌及颈淋巴结标本进行病理观察，确定肿瘤主体所在原发部位及发生转移的颈淋巴结分布区域。按照病理学将肿瘤的病理分化程度确定为高、中、低分化。通过颈淋巴结病理检查和随访观察确定颈淋巴转移情况，用Kaplan-Meier方法对3、5年生存率进行非参数分析。结果病例中T1、T2淋巴结转移率为45．8％，T3、T4淋巴结转移率为79．8％，总的淋巴结转移率为75．0％（81／108），（P〈0．05）。梨状窝癌为100例，占全部病例的92．6％（100／108），梨状窝及下咽后壁癌的颈淋巴转移率分别为74．0％和87．5％（P〉0．05）。病理高、中、低分化型3组，其颈淋巴转移率分别为72．2％、67．6％、85．7％（P〉0．05）。患者3、5年累积生存率分为67．53％及29．87％。Ⅱ、Ⅲ区颈淋巴转移率为76．5％，Ⅴ、Ⅵ区颈淋巴转移率为8．6％。结论下咽癌颈淋巴转移率高。下咽癌颈淋巴转移是影响下咽癌的预后主要因素，随着颈淋巴转移程度的增加，患者3、5年生存率逐渐降低。     

经口内镜下CO2激光切除Tis～T2期声门型喉癌复发相关因素分析

目的 探讨经口内镜下CQ激光手术治疗的Tis、T1、T2期声门型喉癌患者术后复发的相关因素.方法 回顾性分析在安徽省立医院接受经口内镜下CO2激光治疗的180例Tis～T2期声门型喉癌患者的临床资料,其中Tis 22例,T1a 90例,T1b 32例,T2 36例;以肿瘤复发为终点,运用单因素及多因素方法分析年龄、性别、肿瘤T分期、手术方式、病理分级、声带运动、前联合是否受累等因素对复发率的影响.结果 Tis患者的复发率为9.09％(2/22),T1a患者的复发率为13.33％(12/90),T1b患者的复发率为18.75％(6/32),T2患者的复发率为38.89％(14/36);Ⅰ型手术患者术后复发率为0,Ⅱ型手术患者术后复发率为3.57％(1/28),Ⅲ型手术患者术后复发率为15.0％(9/60),Ⅳ型手术患者术后复发率为19.60％(10/51),Ⅴ型手术患者术后复发率为36.84％(14/38).不同肿瘤T分期及不同手术方式患者复发率之间差异有显著统计学意义(P=0.006);单因素Logistics回归分析示T2期(OR=6.36,P＜0.05)及手术方式(OR=2.06,P＜0.05)与术后复发率显著相关,多因素Logistics回归分析手术方式(OR=1.71,P＜0.05)是术后复发率的独立影响因素.结论 声门型喉癌复发率与T分期及手术方式密切相关,随着T分期及手术等级的增高患者复发率随之升高,手术方式是术后复发的独立危险因素.     

Clinical outcomes of end-flexible-rigidscopic transoral surgery (E-TOS) in patients with T1-selected T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers

Background: Endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS), which is a transoral minimally invasive surgery using a gastrointestinal endoscope and a curved laryngopharyngeal retractor, is effective to treat primary lesions of superficial laryngopharyngeal cancers. To extend concepts of ELPS to invasive laryngopharyngeal cancers, we developed end-flexible-rigidscopic transoral surgery (E-TOS) from ELPS by changing a gastrointestinal endoscope to a flexible-tip rigid endoscope.

Aims/Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate oncological outcomes and laryngopharyngeal functional preservation of E-TOS in patients with T1-selected T3 laryngopharyngeal cancers.

Material and methods: In 47 patients T1-selected T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers were resected by E-TOS using the flexible-tip rigid endoscope and curved instruments. Negative resection margin was histopathologically evaluated. The survival, preservation of larynx, and disease control rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Curative resection was achieved in 94% of patients. No patient complained prolonged swallowing dysfunction or hoarseness after E-TOS. Postoperative bleeding, stenosis of the pharynx and esophageal entrance, and local recurrence was observed each in one patient. The 3-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, laryngeal preservation, local control, and locoregional control rates were, 86%, 93%, 100%, 98%, and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion: E-TOS is an effective minimally invasive surgery for T1-selected T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers with preserving laryngeal function.     

Clinical features of pharyngeal cancer: a retrospective study of 258 consecutive patients

Pharyngeal cancer still presents an unsatisfactory mortality (30-40 per cent in most series, with a slightly better prognosis for nasopharyngeal cancer relative to both oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers) despite advances in treatment. Therefore, it is critical to know the clinical features of pharyngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the most relevant clinical features of pharyngeal cancer (oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal) in order to improve knowledge of this malignancy with the aim of ameliorating diagnosis and treatment. The retrospective study was based on a review of medical records from 258 consecutive patients with pharyngeal cancer (oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal) diagnosed at La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, between January 1 1991 and and December 31 1995. Medical records were provided by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology. All medical records were analysed for the following clinical variables: 1) incidence, 2) sociodemographics, 3) sites (oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx) and subsites, 4) clinical and histological staging, 5) pathology, 6) presenting symptoms, 7) time to diagnosis, 8) patients' general performance status at diagnosis, 9) personal cancer history and synchronous head and neck tumours, 10) premalignant lesions, and 11) paediatric cases. Our most outstanding finding was the excessively long time that elapsed between first clinical manifestation appearance and conclusive diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer (4.7 months for pharynx, 4.5 for oropharynx, 4.4 for hypopharynx and 6.5 for nasopharynx cancers). It was found that nasopharyngeal cancer was quite different from both oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers with respect to its potential aetiology, risk factors and clinical presentation. In addition it has a better prognosis.     

303例下咽癌的外科治疗及组织移植修复重建术的临床分析

目的探讨下咽癌的外科治疗及术后下咽食管缺损不同组织移植Ⅰ期重建方法在下咽癌治疗中的远期疗效。方法回顾性分析1965～1998年外科治疗下咽癌患者303例，其中130例经不同组织移植重建下咽食管手术治疗(1997年UICC分期：Ⅱ期5例；Ⅲ期16例；Ⅳ期109例)，其中梨状窝区94例，咽后壁区18例，环后区18例。游离空肠15例，胃代下咽食管81例，结肠代下咽食管10例，胸大肌肌皮瓣修复20例，其他方法4例。173例下咽癌患者不需要重建(Ⅰ期7例，Ⅱ期12例，Ⅲ期51例，Ⅳ期103例)，其中梨状窝160例，咽后壁8例，环后5例。结果Kaplan-Meire法统计生存率，130例组织移植重建患者3年生存率为43．2％，5年生存率为36．4％；173例不需要组织重建患者3年生存率为59．2％，5年生存率为47．7％。各组吞咽功能良好率均在80％，以上。胃代下咽食管手术死亡率为8．6％(7／81例)；胸大肌肌皮瓣修复手术死亡率15．0％，(3／209例)；游离空肠及结肠代食管下咽无手术死亡。总手术并发症20世纪90年代之前为44．3％(35／79例)，90年代手术并发症为13．7％(7／51例)，x^2=13．457，P=0．004，差异有显著性；其中90年代胸大肌肌皮瓣修复并发症最高为18．2％(2／11例)。结论游离空肠、胃代下咽食管、胸大肌肌皮瓣修复在下咽癌的生存率、吞咽功能的恢复及手术并发症等方面均取得较好的治疗效果，是值得提倡的重建方法。     

喉大部分切除发音重建术

目的:探讨晚期喉癌、下咽癌喉大部切除后,喉发音功能的重建效果。方法:对我院自1994年4月～200O年4月的48例晚期喉癌、下咽癌患者,实行喉大部分切除发音重建术,观察他们的发音及误吸情况。结果:晚期喉癌、下咽癌在彻底切除病变的基础上,保留自身粘膜,形成发音管,发音及吞咽功能良好,无误吸现象。发音功能丧失率为10.49％,五年生存率为66.7％,1997年至今其中1例T_4N_3M_0患者因颈部淋巴转移而拒绝再治疗而死亡外,其余全部存活。结论:此术式适合于晚期喉癌、下咽癌,避免了其他发音装置的老化、经常更换及因咽缩肌的作用而致发音困难。手术时间短,方法简单易行。     

Incidence and survival in patients with pharyngeal cancer in northern Finland

A population-based survey was conducted in northern Finland in order to study the incidence rate and survival in patients with pharyngeal cancer diagnosed between 1986 to 1996. A total of 95 new patients with hypopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal cancers were identified. The overall age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 years) were 1.28 in men and 0.60 in women, giving an overall incidence rate of 0.89. Most of the tumours were diagnosed at stage IV, and the median disease-specific survival times were 27.6 months for the patients with oropharyngeal cancer, 13.5 months for nasopharyngeal cancer and 17.7 for hypopharyngeal cancer. The most important factors that were associated with a poor prognosis were stage IV in oropharyngeal [Hazard ratio (HR) 3.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-13.92] and hypopharyngeal cancer (HR 3.99, CI 1.51-10.67) and age over 65 years in nasopharyngeal cancer (HR 9.28, CI 1.79-47.99).     

改良Pearson手术行发声重建(附16例报告)

应用改良Ｐｅａｒｓｏｎ手术对１例喉切除术后患者行发声重建，手术中应用残存咽喉部粘膜缝制咽气管发声管，发声，吞咽功能均满意，仅１例失去发声功能，说明改良Ｐｅａｒｓｏｎ手术对晚期咽、喉癌患者的发声重建有重要价值。     

喉咽癌手术及综合治疗的临床资料分析

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preservation of laryngeal function for the patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-three cases of hypopharyngeal cancer with surgical management were reviewed retrospectively, and 222 cases were originated from pyriform sinus, 13 from post-cricoid, and 21 from posterior pharyngeal wall. Radiotherapy (37 cases), operation only (56 cases) and the combined treatment (operation plus radiation or chemotherapy, 200 cases) were adopted. 159 cases were treated with function preserved laryngectomy and 97 with total laryngectomy. RESULTS: The 5 year survival rates of patient with laryngeal function preserved and no laryngeal function preserved were 51.3%, 47.6% (for stage III); 40.4%, 43.3% (for stage IV), respectively. There were no significant differences in 5-year survival between the functionally preserved group and no functioned group (P > 0.05). The analysis of survival rates revealed a significant difference between combined therapy and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between the survive rates of function preserved and non-preserved groups. Conservation laryngectomy improves the quality of patient's life, and combined therapy is the best choice for hypopharyngeal cancer.     

Neoglottic formation from posterior pharyngeal wall conserved in surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new treatment modality of hypopharyngeal cancer consisting of total laryngectomy plus partial pharyngectomy (TLPP) conserving the posterior wall of the pharynx vertically for voice restoration. METHODS: Review of hospital charts, TLPP was undertaken in 15 of 54 patients. Surgical modalities of reconstruction subsequent to TLPP were indicated on the basis of the width of posterior pharyngeal wall conserved during surgery. Posterior pharyngeal walls of width 3 cm or larger were sutured in primary closure. If the width of posterior wall was less than 3 cm, a free forearm flap or free jejunal flap was patched to the wall. Tracheo-esophageal shunt with a voice prosthesis was performed 3 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier method indicated no difference in survival rate between patients with TLPP (46.4%) and the remaining patients (47.4%). Nine of 15 patients with TLPP (two patients with primary closure, three with free forearm flap, and four with free jejunal flap) were examined for voice restoration and fluoroscopy of the neopharynx. Eight of the nine patients, in whom more than 2 cm of the posterior pharyngeal wall had been conserved, demonstrated a good speech rating, maximum phonation time and neoglottic formation by the posterior pharyngeal wall. CONCLUSION: The combination of conservation of the posterior pharyngeal wall, patch graft and a voice prosthesis is a useful method that offers sufficient quality of phonation without deterioration of survival rate for patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.