[Digestive reconstruction after total circular pharyngolaryngectomy. Results and comments apropos of 60 cases]

60 reconstructive procedures after T.C.P.L. for cancer were carried out between 1983 and 1988. The colon was used in 4 cases, complete stomach in 35 cases and free jejunal graft in 21 cases. The procedure was carried out for upper oesophageal involvement in 39 cases or required oesophageal resection in 21 cases. Hospital mortality was 3% (2 deaths). Morbidity was higher in the colonic plasty group (50%) than in the gastric plasty (30%) or free jejunal graft group (14%). Hospitalisation time was short and satisfactory alimentation was achieved. According to the authors, these results confirm the superiority of digestive plasties over cutaneous, myocutaneous or fascio-cutaneous flaps. The prognosis of these lesions remains poor; the wider excision which is made possible by these reconstructive methods, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy should lead to improved survival in these patients.