Reconstruction of circumferential pharyngoesophageal defects with laryngotracheal flap and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

Abstract

Background Hypopharyngeal cancer often presents at an advanced stage. Radical surgery has played an important role in the treatment of these cases; however, it always results in a large, or even a circumferential, defect of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) that causes some difficulties during reconstruction. Materials and Methods Twelve patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer and cervical esophageal invasion received surgery resulting in a circumferential defect of PES, which was reconstructed with the contralateral unaffected laryngotracheal flap and a patch‐on pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF). Results The operation time of this method was shorter compared with free flap reconstruction. Only two minor complications and no pharyngocutaneous fistulas were found postoperatively. Nine patients can resume a regular diet. During the follow‐up period (median, 38 months), there were no local recurrences and only one contralateral neck recurrence. Conclusions The preliminary result shows this technique is a simple and effective method with low morbidity and satisfactory oncologic and functional results.