Abstract

Abstract Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction after laryngo-pharyngo-esophagectomy, due to malignant or benign causes, is challenging due to its high morbidity and mortality. There are different reconstructive flaps: visceral flaps (pedicle stomach and colon flaps and free jejunum or colon grafts) and myocutaneous flaps (pedicle local flaps, such as the pectoralis major flap, or free grafts, such as the anterolateral thigh-ALT). The objective is to evaluate the morbidity and mortality and functional results of the reconstruction after laryngo-pharyngo-esophagectomy. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent laryngo-pharyngo-esophagectomy in our center, due to a benign cause (ingestion of caustic) or malignant (cancer of the larynx, pharynx, parathyroid and cervical esophagus) with circumferential pharyngeal reconstruction with flap, from 2008 to November 2020. Demographic variables, neoadjuvant treatment, procedure performed and flap used for reconstruction, complications related to reconstruction (fistula, stenosis, necrosis), postoperative complications, days until adequate swallowing, functional result of the flap, hospital stay, recurrence and mortality were collected. Results Twelve patients, with a median age of 59 years (45–78), underwent surgery, 1 case due to benign cause and 11 cases with an oncological diagnosis. There were complications related to the reconstruction in 42% of the patients (see table 1). Postoperative morbidity was 67% (75% Clavien-Dindo ≥ III). The median hospital stay was 21 days (16–94). The median time to swallowing was 13 days (3–73). An optimal functional result (oral intake) was achieved in 75% (only 3 patients with poor results). The median follow-up was 18 months (4–56), with a survival rate of 50%. 30-days mortality was 8% (1 case). Conclusion Our study shows a high morbidity and mortality after circumferential pharyngeal reconstruction, similar to literature published. We have observed a higher rate of reconstruction related complications (fistulas and stenosis) and worse functional results in reconstructions performed with gastroplasty and coloplasty after total laryngo-pharyngo-esophagectomy, compared to less aggressive local resections (laryngopharyngeal) with ALT free flap reconstruction.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call