Conservation of the hypopharyngeal mucous membrane in total laryngectomy

Dysphagia secondary to partial pharyngeal stenosis after total laryngectomy is most likely attributable to the size of the reconstructed lumen. To reduce the incidence of this postoperative complication, we have utilized a modification of total laryngectomy that conserves the hypopharyngeal mucous membrane. The results of this surgical procedure are now reported in the context of two similar, contemporaneous groups of patients who underwent either standard wide-field laryngectomy or hypopharyngeal mucosa conservation laryngectomy. Statistical analysis showed no difference between groups in cancer control (P = .80) or survival (P = .65); whereas the group treated with hypopharyngeal conservation laryngectomy had significantly less pharyngeal stenosis as measured by dysphagia and need for dilatation (P = .011).