Application of gastric pull up and complex laryngotracheal flap to reconstruct the circumferencial defect after resection of the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of gastric pull-up and complex laryngotracheal flap in reconstruction for circumferencial defects after resection of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancers. Methods: A total of 163 cases (152 males, 11 females) with circumferencial defect after resection of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancers received reconstructive surgeries by gastric pull-up (42 cases) and complex laryngo-tracheal flaps (121 cases), of them 115 cases simultaneously underwent unilateral neck dissection and 20 cases had bilateral neck dissection. Postoperative radiotherapy was used in 67 cases, with a dosage of 40-60 Gy. Results: There were 127 (77.9%) cases with positive metastatic lymph nodes. Of 42 patients with gastric pull-up reconstruction, 39 cases (92.8%) recovered the function of oral swallowing after operation, and 8 cases with cervical esophageal cancer recovered the functions of oral swallowing and speech after gastroesophageal anastomosis reconstruction. There were 3 (7.1%) cases died of surgery and 8 cases with surgical complications. Reconstruction of upper digestive tract with combined laryngotracheal flap was successful in all 121 cases, with recovered oral swallowing function after operation. No patient died of surgery but 24 cases had complications, mainly pharynx skin fistula or wound infection, which were cured by conservative treatments. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates for 163 patients were 69.8%, 50.5% and 34.3%, respectively. The independent factors for prognosis included T4 (P<0.001) and N+ (P=0.042). Conclusions: The complex of laryngotracheal flap with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is suitable for most advanced hypopharyngeal cancer after resection of the tumor and reconstruction of circumferencial defect. It is simple technology, low and slight complication rate. The minority is not suitable for the application of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap can be used instead of free anterolateral thigh flap. Gastric pull-up for reconstruction of upper digestive tract is suitable for most patients with cervical esophageal cancer and hypopharyngeal carcinoma invading the cervical esophagus who are not suitable for laryngotracheal flap reconstruction, with good swallowing function after surgery. However, it is prudent to choose operative indications because of serious surgical trauma and risks for complications.