Partial pharyngolaryngectomy with infrahyoid flap: Our experience.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy.
• Advanced stages often require aggressive treatment with significant functional compromise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of treating advanced hypopharyngeal SCC.
• To assess the efficacy of conservative surgery with infrahyoid flap reconstruction and radio-chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 57 patients with Stage III-IV hypopharyngeal SCC were treated from 1994-2011.
• Treatment involved partial pharyngo-laryngectomy, neck dissection, infrahyoid flap reconstruction, and radio-chemotherapy.
• Laryngeal function was assessed via clinical examination and speech therapy.

Main Results:

• Five-year overall survival was 54.4% and disease-specific survival was 61.4%.
• Laryngeal function preservation with complete five-year remission was achieved in 44% of patients.
• Reconstruction with an infrahyoid flap was successful in all patients.

Conclusions:

• Conservative partial pharyngo-laryngectomy with pedicled flap reconstruction is a viable option for selected advanced hypopharyngeal carcinomas.
• This treatment strategy yields favorable oncological and functional results.
• It allows for successful management of advanced hypopharyngeal SCC while preserving laryngeal function.