An unusual cause of dysphagia following total laryngectomy.
A case of dysphagia following wide-field total laryngectomy with excision of the overlying skin is presented. Initial investigation as to the cause of the dysphagia proved fruitless. Mechanical compression of an adequate-sized neopharynx by the "band-like effect" created by the skin closure was hypothesized to be the etiology of the dysphagia. Release of the scar contracture and resurfacing with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reestablished an adequate-sized hypopharynx and normal deglutition.
Bergman
J A
JA
St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA.
Pallant
R
R
Bleier
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004106:Dilatation; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013524:Surgical Flaps