Evaluation of total pharyngolaryngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer

In 37 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer treated by total pharyngolaryngectomy and radical neck dissection, the 5 year cure rate was 30%. Among these patients, T-1 and T-2 tumors had a 57% and 47% 5 year cure rate respectively. Better results were obtained in those patients with tumor of the posterior pharyngeal wall and tumor of sinus pyriformis extending toward postcricoid region or toward the larynx. In 14 patients treated with various approaches of partial pharyngolaryngectomy, the 5 year cure was 53%. It is concluded that the conservation surgery is the operation of choice for the tumors of T-1 and T-2 in securing the total cure and preserving the laryngeal function.