Voice restoration after total laryngopharyngectomy and cervical esophagectomy using the duckbill prosthesis

We have presented a series of 10 patients who were successfully rehabilitated using the tracheoesophageal puncture technique for voice restoration. These patients underwent total laryngopharyngectomy or laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and reconstruction with visceral transposition (five patients), myocutaneous flaps (four patients), and skin graft and cervical flaps (one patient). All patients were able to produce adequate voice and carry on a conversation. Clinical evaluation of voice quality and acoustic analysis of voice samples indicate that the voice obtained in these patients was intelligible, and had adequate intensity, low pitch, and limited pitch variation. There were no complications related to the voice restoration procedure. It appears from our data and the limited experience reported in the literature that the tracheoesophageal prosthesis can be used successfully and safely for the speech rehabilitation of patients who undergo total laryngopharyngectomy, cervical esophagectomy, or both, regardless of the reconstructive method used.     

Use of the radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap and montgomery salivary bypass tube for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Head and neck reconstructive surgeons involved in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have several options available to repair the defect after partial or total laryngopharyngectomy. There is no uniform agreement among head and neck surgeons as to which of the most frequently used techniques offers the best results. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 20 consecutive patients who had undergone reconstruction of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus using a radial forearm free flap with Montgomery salivary bypass tube at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, Massachusetts, and St. Louis University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between 1992 and 1996. This reconstruction was used for primary reconstruction after total or partial laryngopharyngectomy with cervical esophagectomy, partial pharyngectomy sparing the larynx, and for reconstruction of the stenotic neopharynx after laryngectomy. RESULTS: The overall rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula was 20%, and the rate of postoperative stricture was 10%. Of patients reconstructed with this technique, 85% were able to resume oral alimentation, whereas 15% remained G-tube dependent. Of the 18 patients who did not have their larynges remain intact, 6 were able to develop useful tracheoesophageal speech. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap in combination with the Montgomery salivary bypass tube is extremely useful for reconstruction of partial and circumferential defects of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus.     

Functional outcomes after laryngopharyngectomy with anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND: We examined speech and swallowing outcomes and complications in patients with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction of cervical esophageal defects. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients treated with laryngopharyngectomy and ALT flap reconstruction at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from March 2002 to July 2004. We compared complication rates, nutritional intake, number of tracheoesophageal punctures (TEPs), speech fluency and use, operative defects, and radiotherapy effects. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had circumferential defects, and seven had partial defects. Twenty-four patients had radiotherapy. Eleven patients underwent TEP. Higher complication rates in patients after TEP compared with those without TEP were not statistically significant (p = .268). Ninety percent of patients with TEP spoke fluently. Ninety percent of all patients returned to oral alimentation without significant effect from TEP (p = 1.00), complications (p = 1.00), radiation therapy (p = 1.00), or surgical defect (p = .56). CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap successfully reconstructs laryngopharyngeal defects with excellent speech and swallowing results.     

Comparison of voice outcomes after radial forearm free flap reconstruction versus primary closure after laryngectomy

OBJECTIVE: Laryngectomy with primary closure and tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) voice rehabilitation has been the mainstay of the management of patients with advanced laryngeal malignancy. When adequate mucosal tissue is not available, pharyngeal reconstruction with free flaps can be utilized. The speech outcomes of these patients have been traditionally considered inferior based on the findings of a limited number of studies. We report the results of a review of our experience with radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction of extensive laryngopharyngectomy defects vs our institutional outcomes seen with primary closure. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients treated with laryngectomy procedures with either primary closure (28 patients) or RFFF (20 patients) reconstructions at the Cleveland Clinic from 2002 through 2007 were included. Blinded evaluation with statistical analysis of standard speech outcomes measures (maximal sustained phonation, fluent count) as well as qualitative variables are reported. RESULTS: Based on our data collection, the two groups are statistically indistinguishable. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the utility and effectiveness of the RFFF in pharyngeal reconstruction in achieving good voice outcomes.     

Functional outcomes following total laryngopharyngectomy

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing use of laryngeal preserving protocols, laryngopharyngectomy remains the gold standard treatment for locally advanced hypopharyngeal and upper oesophageal tumours and for salvage following failed chemoradiotherapy. Nevertheless, improved perioperative medical care and experience in reconstruction have reduced mortality and improved functional outcomes. METHODS: All patients undergoing total laryngopharyngectomy between July 2001 and July 2006 were prospectively recorded in a head and neck database. Demographics and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent laryngopharyngectomies with 5 having failed chemoradiotherapy and 13 presented with locally advanced tumours. Patients were reconstructed using free jejunal interposition if the lower anastomosis was in the neck (50%). They developed early fistulas (33%), late strictures (33%) and 44% spoke with a tracheo-oesophageal puncture, the rest with an electrolarynx. If the lower anastomosis was below the manubrium, patients required a gastric pull-up (38.9%). Gastric pull-up patients had fewer fistulas but more number of chest complications. More gastric pull-up patients tolerated solid diet and 43% managed oesophageal speech, the remainder using an electrolarynx. Overall, 88.9% of jejunums and 100% of gastric pull-ups tolerated oral alimentation and 100% used verbal communication. During a mean follow up of 34 months, 7 patients (38.9%) died; four patients died of local recurrence, two of distant metastases and one of unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of neoplasms of the hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus is technically demanding and involves careful postoperative care to manage complications. Despite having a poor tumour-related prognosis, laryngopharyngectomy may be carried out in selected patients with low mortality and acceptable functional and survival results.     

Complications after laryngectomy

The charts of 100 consecutive patients who underwent laryngectomy at Memorial Hospital were reviewed to assess those factors that contribute to postoperative complications. Laryngectomy was performed for epidermoid carcinoma in 94 patients and for laryngeal incompetence in 6. Total laryngectomy was performed in 48 patients and partial and circumferential pharyngectomies in addition to laryngectomy in 40 and 12 patients, respectively. Significant complications, which delayed discharge, occurred in 13 patients (27 percent) who had simple laryngectomy, including the formation of two fistulas (4 percent). After laryngopharyngectomy, the complication rate was 77 percent (40 of 52 patients) with pharyngocutaneous fistulas in 19 patients (37 percent). The fistula rate of formation was not increased in irradiated patients; however, the duration of time to closure of a pharyngocutaneous fistula, if it occurred, was longer. Planned pharyngostomy or staged deltopectoral flap reconstruction after extended laryngopharyngectomy was associated with excessive morbidity. Newer techniques of reconstruction utilizing flaps or gastric transposition offer the prospect of reduced morbidity after laryngopharyngectomy.     

Free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of the laryngopharynx

Reconstruction of the laryngopharynx and cervical esophagus presents difficult problems. We embarked on a program using free jejunal transfer for such reconstruction. Thirty-two patients have been evaluated, with a mean follow-up of 16.7 months. Thirty-four transfers were undertaken--14 as primary repair and 20 after the failure of alternate methods. Twenty-six patients were able to achieve oral feeding. There was one immediate and one delayed failure of the graft. Twelve fistulas developed, seven of which healed spontaneously in less than 2 weeks. Four patients experienced complications related to the microvascular anastomosis which required repair. Six patients had significant dysphagia; four of these had side-to-end distal anastomosis. This technique had been abandoned and improvement resulted. We conclude that free jejunal transfer is an expeditious, safe, and reliable method of reconstruction for patients who require total laryngopharyngectomy.     

Osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of composite maxillary defects

BACKGROUND: Composite maxillary defects often involve the maxilla, nasal mucosa, palate, and maxillary sinus. We presented the surgical techniques and outcome of the osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery perforator (PAP) flap for reconstruction of composite maxillary defects. METHODS: Six patients underwent an osteomyocutaneous PAP flap reconstruction of composite maxillary defects. The average age was 52 years. The defects were Cordeiro type II in three patients and type IV midfacial defects in another three patients. RESULTS: No total or partial flap failures occurred. At a mean 12-month follow-up, five patients had a normal speech and were able to eat a regular diet. One patient tolerated a soft diet and had intelligible speech. One patient had ectropion develop. Excellent cosmesis was found in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: The osteomyocutaneous PAP flap represents a further refinement of the fibula flap and increases its versatility, with multiple skin paddles, bone segments, and soleus muscle independently isolated. It is a comparable reconstruction option for composite maxillary defects.     

Reconstruction of the larynx and aryepiglottic fold using a free radial forearm tendocutaneous flap after partial laryngopharyngectomy: a case report

The patient was a 62-year-old man with chief complaints of pharyngeal pain and dysphagia. He was diagnosed with pyriform sinus poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma T3N0M0 (Stage II) and underwent partial laryngopharyngectomy, lymphadenectomy in the right neck, tracheostomy, and reconstruction of the larynx and aryepiglottic fold with a free radial forearm flap and the associated vascularized palmaris longus tendon. No particular problems occurred after surgery, and swallowing and articulation functions were successfully recovered. A free jejunum transfer is the first choice for reconstruction of a defect after partial hypopharyngectomy, but reconstruction of the supracricoid complex structure of the larynx using a free jejunum transfer after partial laryngopharyngectomy may lead to aspiration of intestinal fluids. In this case, we performed functional reconstruction of the laryngopharyngeal defect using a free radial forearm flap including a vascularized tendon of the palmaris longus, and satisfactory postoperative function was achieved. We believe that the key to successful functional recovery after partial laryngopharyngectomy is establishment of the three-dimensional complex structure of the arytenoid and aryepiglottic fold.     

Adaptive mechanisms of speech and swallowing after combined jaw and tongue reconstruction in long-term survivors

Twelve patients have been studied for speech and swallowing function after major combined jaw and tongue reconstruction with the microvascular iliac bone and groin skin composite flap. Cinegraphic barium swallows demonstrated that for bolus propulsion, it is important to be able to occlude the palate with the flap. Glottic competence prevents aspiration. Speech studies show that although there is loss of certain speech sounds, approximate sounds are substituted. Speech is intelligible when soft-tissue contact to the palate can be accomplished. The adaptive mechanisms in these patients have been compared with the mechanisms used by a patient with uncorrected congenital aglossia and hypomandibulosis who developed excellent speech and swallowing. The mobility of this patient's mouth and pharynx was similar to that in the reconstructed cancer patients who were able to swallow and speak. This procedure has become our reconstruction method of choice for these major defects.     

Current trends in initial management of hypopharyngeal cancer: the declining use of open surgery

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx represents a distinct clinical entity. Most patients present with significant comorbidities and advanced-stage disease. The overall survival is relatively poor because of high rates of regional and distant metastasis at presentation or early in the course of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the overall management of these patients to achieve the best results and maintain or improve functional results. Traditionally, operable hypopharyngeal cancer has been treated by total (occasionally partial) laryngectomy and partial or circumferential pharyngectomy, followed by reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy in most cases. Efforts to preserve speech and swallowing function in the surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal (and laryngeal) cancer have resulted in a declining use of total laryngopharyngectomy and improved reconstructive efforts, including microvascular free tissue transfer. There are many surgical, as well as nonsurgical, options available for organ and function preservation, which report equally effective tumor control and survival. The selection of appropriate treatment is of crucial importance in the achievement of optimal results for these patients. In this article, several aspects of surgical and nonsurgical approaches in the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer are discussed. Future studies must be carefully designed within clearly defined populations and use uniform terminology and standardized functional assessment and declare appropriate patient or disease endpoints. These studies should focus on improvement of results, without increasing patient morbidity. In this respect, technical improvements in radiotherapy such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, advances in supportive care, and incorporation of newer systemic agents such as targeted therapy, are relevant developments.     

Comparison of pharyngeal stenosis between hypopharyngeal patients undergoing primary versus salvage laryngopharyngectomy

Objective

To survey the risk factors of pharyngeal stenosis after laryngopharyngectomy in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Pharyngeal stenosis rates and risk factors were compared between two groups of laryngopharyngectomy patients: a group that underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy followed by surgical salvage, and a surgery initiated group with adjuvant chemoradiation.

Results

Of 160 patients, 25 developed pharyngeal stenosis, which was diagnosed by barium esophagography with a pooling of barium contrast above the neopharyngeal inlet. These patients required nasogastric tube feeding or gastrostomy feeding because an oral liquid diet could not meet their nutritional needs. Primary closure and old age were risk factors for pharyngeal stenosis. Pharyngeal stenosis did not affect survival in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent laryngopharyngectomy.

Conclusion

Primary closure reconstruction is discouraged in patients over the age of 65 years.     

Pharyngeal angiosarcoma following multimodal treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

It is well established that angiosarcoma can develop following radiotherapy. We present an unusual case of angiosarcoma of the pharynx that developed three years after treatment with surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for a T2N2bM0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. The patient was tumour free until developing dysphagia, which was found to be caused by an angiosarcoma. The patient underwent surgery of the pharyngeal angiosarcoma by laryngopharyngectomy, tongue base resection, selective neck dissection and radial forearm microvascular free flap reconstruction. Angiosarcoma following head and neck malignancy is rare but must be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in patients with new symptoms after radiotherapy.     

Continuous high‐dose vasopressors in free anterolateral thigh flap transfer for pharyngeal reconstruction: A report of two cases

Use of vasopressors is controversial in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction. Recent literature has suggested that it is safe to administer vasopressors intraoperatively during these procedures. However studies have not addressed whether this safety extends to continuous high dose use. We present two cases of patients who underwent surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal region, requiring laryngopharyngectomy. Both had pharyngeal reconstruction with a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The first required intraoperative vasopressors throughout the surgery, extending into the postoperative period. The second required vasopressors in the postoperative period continuously for weeks after surgery. Vasopressors were administered at treatment levels for shock. Neither developed flap compromise, suggesting that pharyngeal reconstruction with an ALT flap may be safely performed in the setting of continuous high‐dose vasopressors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:237–239, 2014.     

Tracheal tear during laryngopharyngectomy and transhiatal oesophagectomy: a case report

A case is reported of a tracheal tear developing during laryngopharyngectomy and transhiatal oesophagectomy. Ventilation and oxygenation were managed by removing the tracheostomy tube and advancing a straight cuffed armoured tube via the tracheostomy into one main stem bronchus and applying CPAP to the other bronchus via a Foley catheter. Following gastrointestinal reconstruction, the membranous tracheal tear was repaired via a right lateral thoracotomy.     

Hard palate resection,microvascular reconstruction,and prosthetic restoration: a 14-year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: This retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate self-reported patient and clinician assessed functional outcomes of patients who have undergone ablative hard palate oncologic resection and microvascular free-flap reconstruction with and without maxillofacial prosthetic intervention. METHODS: All Head and Neck Surgery Service, Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery Service, and Dental Service charts and progress notes entered into the Institutional Health Care Information System of 57 patients who underwent hard palate resection and microvascular reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2001 were reviewed retrospectively by three maxillofacial prosthodontists (BJB, JMH, IMZ). Prosthetic and nonprosthetic rehabilitation outcomes for each patient were reported as having normal; limited; or poor esthetics and function according to each prosthodontist's clinical evaluations; patients' self-perceptions; and feedback from friends, family members, and/or spouse. Speech intelligibility was determined in the same manner but reported as normal, hypernasal, and hyponasal. RESULTS: Most of the 26 prosthetically rehabilitated patients were reported as having normal esthetics (81%), normal function (77%), normal speech (96%), and were able to return to per oral full diets (81%) without any restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable oral rehabilitation outcomes were reported for most prosthetically rehabilitated free-flap patients. Normal speech can be anticipated with a high degree of certainty, and a high percentage of prosthetically restored free-flap patients achieved per oral diets.     

Secondary microvascular tongue reconstruction: Functional results

Between 1978 and 1991, 56 microvascular composite flaps were used for oromandibular reconstructions: 15 for primary total and subtotal tongue reconstruction and five for secondary major tongue reconstruction. The delayed reconstructions were performed to improve the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Using a floor of the mouth composite bone grafting technique to reposition the tongue and obliterate the oral dead space intraoral food transport was improved (three of five patients), but aspiration persisted (three of four patients). When compared with 10 patients evaluated for primary total and subtotal tongue reconstruction the primary reconstruction group showed superior swallowing (eight dynamic oral transport, no aspiration) and speech results. The poor results of secondary reconstruction are attributed to scarring and irreversible damage to remaining functional muscles involved in protecting the laryngeal aditus.     

Double lumen free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of the entire floor of mouth, pharynx and cervical oesophagus

In those patients requiring proximal extension of a laryngopharyngectomy to include resection of the base of the tongue, there is a considerable mismatch between the circumference of the superior pharyngeal defect and a conventional jejunal conduit. An inverted J-shaped jejunal funnel can be prefabricated to enlarge the proximal stoma of a free jejunal transfer to overcome this size discrepancy and so prevent the high incidence of postoperative fistulae at the proximal anastomosis. In the most extreme case it will allow reconstruction of the entire floor of the mouth, pharynx and cervical oesophagus.     

Reconstruction of the hard palate using the radial forearm free flap: indications and outcomes

BACKGROUND: Although prosthetic obturation is the "gold standard" for restoration of hard-palate defects, obturators can be problematic. We present 10 cases of palatal reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap and compare patient satisfaction with defect-matched patients rehabilitated with prosthetic obturation. METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction of a hard-palate defect and eight patients, with similar-sized defects who were rehabilitated with a prosthetic obturator, were evaluated for donor site and recipient site complications, diet, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: All the patients in both groups were able to resume an unrestricted diet with normal mastication and articulation. Both groups achieved equivalent satisfaction scores with regard to appearance, chewing, and taste; however, the patients reconstructed with an RFFF reported higher satisfaction scores in speech, comfort, convenience, and social interaction. CONCLUSIONS: RFFF reconstruction of hard-palate defects provides a functional alternative to conventional prosthetic obturators.     

股前外侧皮瓣修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损

目的 报道应用股前外侧皮瓣移植修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损的临床效果.方法 对9例中晚期舌癌患者接受舌癌联合根治术同期应用吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣移植修复术后缺损.皮瓣切取面积最大10 cm×12 cm,最小7 cm×10 cm,修复舌及口底缺损.术后随访评价再造舌形态、活动度、吞咽功能及语音功能.结果 9例患者供区均直接拉拢缝合,术后供受区伤口一期愈合,股前外侧皮瓣成活.术后平均随访18个月,肿瘤无复发,无严重并发症,再造舌外形较丰满,有一定的活动度,吞咽、语音功能恢复良好,供区瘢痕隐蔽,临床疗效满意.结论 股前外侧皮瓣移植修复中晚期舌癌术后缺损的临床效果满意,值得推广应用.