[Reconstruction of circumferential defect of cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To show the results of reconstruction of circumferential defect of cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma in 11 cases.


METHODS
Total larynx, pharynx and cervical esophagus were resected and a permanent tracheostomy was made in the patients, because the cancer had invaded the larynx and cervical esophagus. Two platysma myocutaneous flaps were designed and dissected at both anteror-lateral neck, which was about 3.5-4 cm x 7-10 cm respectively. The flaps were made into a skin tube. The upper edge of the skin tube was sutured to the cut end of the pharynx and the lower sutured to the end of the esophagus.


RESULTS
All of the flaps survived and there was no death after operation. There was fistula in 2 cases. The fistula healed after 14 days and 18 days respectively. All cases were normal in swallowing food.


CONCLUSIONS
The operative methods, advantages and experiences are also descussed.
Wang
R
R
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical College, Chongqing 400042.
Jiang
Y
Y
Ji
C
C
D000368:Aged; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps