title: Anastomosis technique for high pharyngogastrostomy.
abstract: Pharyngogastric anastomosis, otherwise referred to as the "gastric pull-up" procedure, is the most reliable method of reconstruction after laryngopharyngectomy. We currently use a method of gastric to pharyngeal anastomosis that avoids excess tension, and thus decreases the incidence of fistulas and flap failures. With the stomach fully mobilized, the "pull-up" is brought high into the neck using a plastic bag to facilitate delivery via the posterior mediastinum. A curved, U-shaped incision is then made in the fundus of the tongue anteriorly, allowing the posterior nasopharynx to be reached without tension.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore 21201, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Krasna
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Biedlingmaier
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008722:Methods; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*