[Oropharynx and hypopharynx reconstruction. What have we learnt?]

Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal reconstructions require significant human and technical resources. This study analysed our reconstruction program over the last 13 years.

Retrospective study in a tertiary reference centre.

Forty-three reconstruction procedures, of which 67.4 % (29/43) were microvascular (radial forearm 17, rectus abdominis 10, scapular 1, jejunum 1) and 42.6% (14/43) myocutaneous (pectoralis major 13, latissimus dorsi 1). Of these reconstructions, 83% (37/43) were for oropharyngeal defects and 17% (6/43) for hypopharyngeal defects, with 70% Stage iv (30/43), 26% Stage iii (11/43) and 4% (2/43) Stage ii. Mean Hospital stay was 54 days. Complications were present in 74.4% (32/43), salivary fistula being the most frequent (62.5%; 20/32). Ischemic necrosis was present in 20% (6/29) of the microvascular flaps. One microvascular flap was performed every 5.5 months, and one myocutaneous every 11.1 months. Previous radiotherapy and salvage surgery did not significantly increase the rate of complications.

Reconstruction of pharyngeal defects is a challenging and demanding task, one that is great when everything runs perfectly and disastrous when failure takes place, mainly for the patient. Disciplines related with head and neck reconstruction should create multidisciplinary teams to increase experience, particularly in centres where the number of patients available makes it difficult to get the expertise and confidence this surgery demands for accomplishing the objectives of patient satisfaction and functional restoration.