Reconstruction techniques using free jejunal transfer for total pharyngolaryngectomy with total glossectomy.

BACKGROUND: Total pharyngolaryngectomy is sometimes combined with total glossectomy for advanced hypopharyngeal or cervical esophageal cancers involving the tongue base. The optimal reconstruction method for total pharyngolaryngectomy with total glossectomy has not been established due to a considerable diameter mismatch between the floor of mouth and the esophageal stump. This report describes two reconstruction methods using free jejunal transfer. METHODS: Five consecutive patients who underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy with total glossectomy were included, with a mean age of 67.0 (range 55-75) years. Primary tumors included tongue, hypopharyngeal, cervical esophagus, and laryngeal cancers. The mean defect size was 17.0 (16-19) × 6.8 (6-7) cm. Surgical techniques involved either a simple incision or a two-segment method to address the size mismatch between the jejunum and the floor of mouth. In the simple incision method, a longitudinal cut was made to the antimesenteric or paramesenteric border of a jejunum wall to expand the orifice. In the two-segment method, a jejunal graft was separated into two segments to reconstruct the floor of mouth and the cervical esophagus, and these segments were connected with a longitudinal incision to the cervical esophageal segment to form a funnel-shaped conduit. RESULTS: Of the five patients, three underwent the simple incision method and two the two-segment method. Postoperative pharyngoesophagography showed a smooth passage for all patients. Postoperative courses were uneventful except for one flap loss due to arterial thrombosis. Four patients achieved oral feeding, while one became gastric-tube dependent. At a mean follow-up of 22.1 (4-39) months, one patient required tube feeding, two tolerated full liquid, and two consumed a soft diet. CONCLUSIONS: Both the simple incision and two-segment methods achieved satisfactory swallowing function. The choice between these reconstruction methods may depend on the extent of resection of the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Reconstruction with free jejunal flap in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa complicated with hypopharyngeal cancer: A case report.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses a range of rare genetic dermatological conditions characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and a predisposition to blister formation, often triggered by minimal trauma. Blisters in the pharynx and esophagus are well-documented, particularly in dystrophic EB (DEB). However, there have been few reports of mucocutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck region, for which surgery is usually avoided. This report presents the first case of free jejunal flap reconstruction after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer in a 57-year-old patient with DEB. The patient with a known diagnosis of DEB had a history of SCC of the left hand and esophageal dilatation for esophageal stricture. PET-CT imaging during examination of systemic metastases associated with the left-hand SCC revealed abnormal accumulation in the hypopharynx, which was confirmed as SCC by biopsy. Total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy was performed, followed by reconstruction of the defect using a free jejunal flap. A segment of the jejunum, approximately 15 cm in length, was transplanted with multiple vascular pedicles. The patient made an uneventful recovery postoperatively and was able to continue oral intake 15 months later with no complications and no recurrence of SCC in the head and neck region. While cutaneous SCC is common in DEB, extracutaneous SCC is relatively rare. In most previous cases, non-surgical approaches with radiotherapy and chemotherapy were chosen due to skin fragility and multimorbidity. In the present case, vascular fragility and mucosal damage of the intestinal tract were not observed, and routine vascular and enteric anastomoses could be performed, with an uneventful postoperative course. Our findings suggest that highly invasive surgery, including free tissue transplantation such as with a free jejunal flap, can be performed in patients with DEB.

Oncological and functional outcome after laryngectomy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: a population-based analysis in Germany from 2001 to 2020.

Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) dependency, and long-term speech rehabilitation via voice prosthesis (VP) after laryngectomy for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer were investigated in a retrospective population-based study in Thuringia, Germany. A total of 617 patients (68.7% larynx; hypopharynx; 31.3%; 93.7% men; median age 62 years; 66.0% stage IV) from 2001 to 2020 were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariable regression analyses were performed. 23.7% of patients received a PEG. 74.7% received a VP. Median OS was 131 months. Independent factors for lower OS were stage IV (compared to stage II; hazard ratio [HR] = 3.455; confidence interval [CI] 1.395-8.556) and laryngectomy for a recurrent disease (HR = 1.550; CI 1.078-2.228). Median time to PEG removal was 7 months. Prior partial surgery before laryngectomy showed a tendency for independent association for later PEG removal (HR = 1.959; CI 0.921-4.167). Postoperative aspiration needing treatment was an independent risk factor (HR = 2.679; CI 1.001-7.167) for later definitive VP removal. Laryngectomy continuously plays an important role in a curative daily routine treatment setting of advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer in Germany. Long-term dependency on nutrition via PEG is an important issue, whereas use of VP is a stable long-term measure for voice rehabilitation.

Laryngectomy plus postoperative radio(system)therapy versus primary radio(system) therapy for the treatment of locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer - results from the University Clinical Cancer Registry Regensburg.

BACKGROUND: There are few adequate randomized clinical trials directly comparing the therapeutic options of primary laryngectomy (pLE) vs. primary radio(system)therapy (pR(S)T) in patients with locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma and thus little clear scientific evidence to decide which patients will benefit most from which procedure. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: Aim was to compare survival between the therapeutic options and to learn from the limitations of this study, especially in the context of improved clinical assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical data of patients treated between January 2010 and February 2022 were obtained from the electronic database of the University Hospital Regensburg. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the treatment groups. RESULTS: The study included 193 patients (pLE n = 68, pR(S)T, n = 125). Median OS was 31.2 months and median PFS was 24.7 months with no significant difference between the treatment groups (p > .050). Patients who did not receive complete treatment as recommended by the tumor conference (n = 47, 24.4%) had a higher risk of death (p = .024). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The results of our study are consistent with the survival data reported in the literature. More detailed systematic data in clinical routine (e.g. relevant comorbidities) are required to ensure guideline-based recommended therapy.

[Feasibility and efficacy of pre-management of superior laryngeal artery in endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer].

Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy for the dissection and ligation of the superior laryngeal artery in endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods: Eight cadaveric heads were selected, and the laryngopharynxes were harvested. The positions of the superior laryngeal arteries entering the larynxes were dissected and observed under endoscopic vision, and their anatomical characteristics were summarized. Twenty-nine patients (all were male, aged 39-74 years old) with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent transoral endoscopic surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected, and the patients were randomly divided into two groups by drawing lots, namely, the superior laryngeal artery was actively dissected and occluded during surgery in observation group (n=15) or not in control group (n=14). The differences in surgical time, bleeding volume, postoperative complications, and postoperative disease-free survival rate were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software. Results: The entry point of the superior laryngeal artery into the larynx was approximately at the level of the superior edge of the thyroid cartilage, and entered the larynx at the posterior one-third of the lateral wall of the pyriform fossa. The superior laryngeal artery might be determined through endoscopic exploration in all patients of observation group. The endoscopic surgery time [(40.00±7.56) minutes] and intraoperative bleeding volume [(24.00±8.28) ml] in the observation group were respectively less than those [(48.57±14.06) minutes and (42.86±15.41) ml] in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-2.064, P=0.049; t=-4.064, P=0.001). There was no case with postoperative bleeding in the observation group, but with one case of postoperative bleeding in the control group. Total disease free survival rate was 86.2% and there was no significant difference in disease free survival rates between the two groups during a follow-up period of at least 36 months (P=0.986). Conclusion: Dissection of the superior laryngeal artery during endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer is feasible, and pre-management and occlusion of the superior laryngeal artery can effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding.

Fasciocutaneous and jejunal free flaps for circumferential hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction: A 22-year multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether a tubed fasciocutaneous or jejunal free flap (FCFF and JFF) is preferable for reconstruction of circumferential pharyngolaryngoesophageal defects. METHODS: All consecutive patients with circumferential pharyngolaryngoesophageal defects reconstructed with an FCFF or JFF between 2000 and 2022 were included. Outcomes of interest were rates of fistulas, strictures, and donor-site complications. RESULTS: In total, 112 patients were included (35 FCFFs and 77 JFFs). Fistula and stricture rates were significantly lower following JFF compared to FCFF reconstructions, with 12% versus 34% (p = 0.008) and 29% versus 49% (p = 0.04), respectively. Severe donor-site complications leading to surgical intervention or ICU admittance only occurred after JFF reconstructions (18%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The high fistula and stricture rates in FCFF reconstructions and the rate of severe abdominal complications in JFF reconstructions illustrate inherent procedure-specific advantages and disadvantages. Relative pros and cons should be carefully weighed when tailoring treatments to the individual needs of patients.

Pedicled flaps reconstruction of hypopharynx and laryngeal defects: Successful preservation of laryngeal function in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preserving laryngeal function and reconstructing the hypopharynx in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer pose significant challenges for head and neck surgeons. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient was diagnosed with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer originating from the left pyriform sinus. The tumor extended into the hypopharynx, left vocal cord, ventricular fold, partial aryepiglottic fold, and a segment of the cervical esophagus. A curative tumor resection was performed, and a well-thought-out strategy was employed for hypopharyngeal repair and laryngeal reconstruction. RESULTS: Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated exceptional flap survival, and the tracheostomy tube was removed at the 6-month mark. No surgery-related complications were observed, and both swallowing and vocal functions exhibited a robust recovery. CONCLUSION: Our reconstruction strategy proves effective in preserving laryngeal function among patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

Aesthetic Considerations of Simultaneous Reconstruction With Free Flap for Local Advanced Hypopharyngeal Combined With Cervical Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with local advanced hypopharyngeal combined with esophageal cancer often require total laryngectomy and cervical esophagectomy, which result in big-sized upper aerodigestive tract defects and neck deformities. Although free flap is widely used to reconstruct aerodigestive defects, the aesthetic results especially that of neck contour have not brought to the forefront or discussed extensively. This article aims to report the preliminary aesthetic results of free flap reconstruction for local advanced hypopharyngeal cancer combined with cervical esophageal cancer defects, highlighting the thickness of subcutaneous fat of the flap. METHODS: A retrospective study of 21 patients with local advanced hypopharyngeal combined with cervical esophageal cancer from July 2010 to August 2022 was conducted. After completing total laryngectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and removal of the tumor with safe margin, a free thigh flap of subcutaneous fat greater than 1 cm in thickness was used to reconstruct the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects. In addition to general demographic, oncological, and reconstructive data, preoperative and postoperative neck circumferences were recorded and compared. A subjective questionnaire survey was conducted on patients' satisfaction with postoperative neck contour. The patients were followed up from 3 to 10 years, with an average of 3 years. RESULTS: There were 2 cases (2/21) of free flap loss because of flap necrosis and secondary repair with a pedicled pectoralis major flap. Nineteen flaps (19/21) survived. Three cases (3/21) developed a pharyngeal fistula and one case (1/21) experienced salivary fistula, all of the fistulae healed after drainage and dressing change. There was a relatively high satisfaction rate among patients (16/21) with the postoperative neck contour. A paired sample t test showed no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative values ( t = 2.002, P > 0.05). Patients with a thicker subcutaneous fat flap (≥1.5 cm) had a more symmetrical and fuller neck contour during long-term postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a fat-rich subcutaneous free thigh flap to reconstruct the defect of local advanced hypopharyngeal combined with cervical esophageal cancer can achieve better neck aesthetic contour.

Novel techniques for prevention of post-operative pharyngocutaneous fistula in locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common complications following total laryngectomy. It increases hospital stay and the financial burden on patients, and prolongs nasogastric feeding. This paper presents novel techniques for prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre to assess the effectiveness of continuous extramucosal pharyngeal suturing and the hydrogen peroxide leak test in prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in 59 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy with or without partial pharyngectomy for locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx. RESULTS: The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in our study was 6.8 per cent, which is considerably lower than the incidence reported in various previous studies. CONCLUSION: The continuous extramucosal suturing technique provides watertight closure of the neopharynx and can be recommended as a reliable method for neopharyngeal closure post total laryngectomy to reduce the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Extent of thyroidectomy and paratracheal lymph node dissection in total pharyngolaryngectomy for pyriform sinus cancer, and recurrence, survival, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) is standard treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer. However, extensive thyroidectomy and paratracheal nodal dissection (PTND) can cause hypoparathyroidism. We sought to determine the optimum extent of resection. METHODS: We analyzed the clinicopathological information of 161 pyriform sinus cancer patients undergoing TPL from 25 Japanese institutions. Rates of recurrence and risk factors for hypoparathyroidism, as well as incidence of pathological contralateral level VI nodal metastasis and stomal recurrence, were investigated. RESULTS: The extent of thyroidectomy and nodal dissection were not independent risk factors for recurrence. Incidences of contralateral level VI nodal involvement and stomal recurrence were 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively. Patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy/ipsilateral PTND did not develop stomal recurrence and had the lowest incidence of hypoparathyroidism. Prognosis in patients without tracheostomy prior to hemithyroidectomy/ipsilateral PTND was comparable to that with more extensive resections. CONCLUSIONS: Hemithyroidectomy/ipsilateral PTND may be sufficient for pyriform sinus cancer cases without tracheostomy.

Salvage total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx: Validated prognostic nomograms predicting oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Salvage total laryngectomy (STL) is a preferred treatment for patients with residual, recurrent, and second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx/hypopharynx after (chemo)radiation. To individually estimate postoperative oncological outcomes, we designed and validated prognostic nomograms. METHODS: We used a dataset of 290 patients who underwent STL. Nomograms predicting 2- and 5-year OS, DFS, and DSS were developed, using variables which are identified pre- or postoperatively. The nomograms were externally validated on a dataset of 109 patients. RESULTS: The nomograms based on postoperative variables performed better than those based on preoperative variables (OS: C = 0.68 vs. 0.64; DFS: C = 0.70 vs. 0.64; DSS: C = 0.74 vs. 0.64). The nomogram predicting DSS based on postoperative variables performed best. CONCLUSIONS: The presented prognostic nomograms for predicting oncological outcomes in patients who undergo STL are tools which allow for a reliable prognostic assessment.

Development of a nomogram for predicting pharyngocutaneous fistula based on skeletal muscle mass and systemic inflammation indices.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers often require surgical treatment, which can lead to the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Our research aimed to assess the predictive value of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and systemic inflammation indices for PCF and construct a clinically effective nomogram. METHODS: A nested case-control study of 244 patients matched from 1171 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer was conducted. SMM was measured at the third cervical level based on CT scans. A PCF nomogram was developed based on the univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Glucose, white blood cell count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and skeletal muscle index were independent risk factors for PCF. The area under the curve for the PCF nomogram was 0.841 (95% CI 0.786-0.897). The calibration and decision curves indicated that the nomogram was well-calibrated with good clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram we constructed may help clinicians predict PCF risk early in the postoperative period, pending external validation.

[Clinical analysis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To analyze the incidence and the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, evaluate the accuracy of preoperative enhanced CT in judging retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on the prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analyses were made on 398 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery as the primary therapy and accepted retropharyngeal lymph node exploration and clearance during surgery in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to clarify the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on prognosis. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes of 218 cases with available preoperative enhanced CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists and compared with postoperative pathological results. Results: Retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were confirmed in 54 of 398 (13.6%) cases according to postoperative pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative enhanced CT in the diagnosis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were 34.6% and 91.1%, respectively, and the overall accuracy was 84.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the site of the primary lesion and pathological N stage were independent risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with primary lesion located in the posterior wall of hypopharynx (OR=4.83, 95% CI: 1.27-18.40), N2 stage (OR=6.30, 95% CI: 2.25-17.67), and N3 stage (OR=26.89, 95% CI: 5.76-125.58) were prone to retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate of the 398 patients was 50.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 48.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy were independent influencing factors for overall survival (T stage: HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54; N stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.40; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.47-3.08; radiotherapy: HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.76) and disease-free survival of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (T stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51; N stage: HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.37; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.56-3.21; radiotherapy: HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.77). Conclusions: Metastasis of retropharyngeal lymph nodes in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is not rare. Enhanced CT is of low accuracy and limited value in diagnosing retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Primary lesions located in the posterior wall of the hypopharyngx, N2 stage, and N3 stage are independent high-risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis is worse, and active surgical exploration and clearance can effectively reduce the mortality caused by retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis.