Pedicled flaps reconstruction of hypopharynx and laryngeal defects: Successful preservation of laryngeal function in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

• Published in: Head & neck Vol. 46; no. 5; pp. E49 - E56
• Main Authors: Li, Leyu, Fan, Lixiao, Jiang, Zheng, Yang, Xin, Wang, Dejuan, Chen, Fei, Gu, Deying, Liu, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.05.2024; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: advanced hypopharyngeal cancer; Cancer; Heart; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms - pathology; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Hypopharynx; Hypopharynx - pathology; Hypopharynx - surgery; laryngeal function; Larynx - pathology; Male; Middle Aged; pectoralis major myocutaneous flap; Plastic Surgery Procedures; reconstruction; Reconstructive surgery; Surgical Flaps - pathology; thoracoacromial artery perforator flap; Throat cancer; Tracheostomy; Tumors; laryngeal function; reconstruction; thoracoacromial artery perforator flap; advanced hypopharyngeal cancer; pectoralis major myocutaneous flap
• ISSN: 1043-3074; 1097-0347; 1097-0347
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.27650

Background Preserving laryngeal function and reconstructing the hypopharynx in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer pose significant challenges for head and neck surgeons. Methods A 48‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer originating from the left pyriform sinus. The tumor extended into the hypopharynx, left vocal cord, ventricular fold, partial aryepiglottic fold, and a segment of the cervical esophagus. A curative tumor resection was performed, and a well‐thought‐out strategy was employed for hypopharyngeal repair and laryngeal reconstruction. Results Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated exceptional flap survival, and the tracheostomy tube was removed at the 6‐month mark. No surgery‐related complications were observed, and both swallowing and vocal functions exhibited a robust recovery. Conclusion Our reconstruction strategy proves effective in preserving laryngeal function among patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.