title: Analysis of recurrence and survival after hypopharyngeal ablative surgery with radial forearm free flap reconstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To address the controversial acceptable distal resection margin for the surgical management of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of the records of 28 consecutive patients who underwent pharyngoesophagectomy and reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps between 1996 to 2001.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and recurrence-free time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The minimum follow-up time was 2 years, and there were 14 (50%) patients who had recurrences. Analysis revealed that only one (3%) patient experienced a recurrence at the inferior resection margin, the junction of the free flap reconstruction, and the cervical esophagus. Estimated 4 year survival was 48.5%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Total laryngopharyngectomy and partial esophagectomy with radial forearm free flap reconstructions in appropriately selected patients with hypopharyngeal cancer does not compromise local recurrence rates at the distal esophageal margin.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scharpf
authors.forename: Ramon M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Esclamado
mesh_terms: D016629:Esophagectomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality*; D010611:Pharyngectomy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors