One-stage reconstruction of the hypopharynx using myomucosal tongue flap and dermal graft

Reconstruction of the hypopharynx following total laryngectomy and total pharyngectomy provides a one-stage procedure to reconstitute the food conduit. A myomucosal advancement tongue flap forms the anterolateral walls, and the dermal graft forms the posterior wall of the reconstruction. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction by this method. Thirteen required total laryngectomy and total pharyngectomy for extensive carcinomas. Two other patients who had previous laryngectomy and hypopharyngeal recurrence had pharyngectomy and repair by tongue flap and dermal graft. A third patient required laryngopharyngectomy following recurrence after supraglottic laryngectomy. No postoperative deaths have occurred. Anteriolateral defects of up to 8 cm in size can be reconstructed providing the neck can be flexed. Larger posterior defects superior to the eustachian tube can be closed. In two patients minor fistulas developed which closed spontaneously. One other patient had a delayed wound dehiscence and infection with fistula and carotid blowout. The patient had undergone previous surgery and radiotherapy. Deglutition was good to excellent in most patients. Three patients required esophageal dilatation with resolution. Cinegraphic studies have demonstrated the tongue to propel a bolus and to modulate speech which shows this repair to create a dynamic conduit. One patient had difficulty in swallowing because the left hypoglossal nerve was resected. Seven patients were alive with no evidence of disease 2 to 30 months postoperatively. Four patients who were free of their original disease died from other causes. Four patients died from original disease 5 to 23 months postoperatively. At present, one patient is alive with disease. Tongue flap and dermal graft provide a reliable and one-stage reconstruction following laryngopharyngectomy and should be considered as an alternative to distant flap and intestinal interposition reconstructive procedures.