[Multi-modalities for reconstruction of circumferential defects in the pharyngoesophageal region].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of multi-modalities in the reconstruction of circumferential defects after resection of cancers in pharyngoesophageal regions, and to compare the pros and cons between different surgical procedures.


METHODS
According to the nature and extend of defects, five different methods including pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, laryngeal tube replacement, free jejunum, free forearm flap and gastric pull-up were used to reconstruct the circumferential pharyngoesophageal defects in 72 patients. Function of deglutition and restoration of swallowing was regularly followed up and objectively evaluated.


RESULTS
A total of 35 cases of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PM) flaps, 8 cases of laryngeal tube replacement, 12 cases of free jejunum, 12 cases of free forearm flaps and 16 cases of gastric pull-up were performed. Different complications including wound infection, pharyngeal fistula, partial necrosis of PM flap, partial necrosis of gastric wall, stricture of anastomotic site were encountered in 15 cases. All patients survived the operation except one due to partial necrosis of the gastric wall. Two of 4 patients who developed anastomotic stricture can ingest half-liquid food, the remaining cases regained normal deglutition function. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 1. 6 years with 2-year survival rate of 45.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
Circumferential defects resulting from resection of carcinomas in pharyngoesophageal region can be reconstructed with different operative techniques depending on the nature and extend of the defects. Once the operative indications are properly selected, the good reconstructive results are to be achieved.
Li
Xiao-ming
XM
Department of Otorhinolayngology Head Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, China. xml_968@sohu.com
Tao
Zhen-feng
ZF
Song
Qi
Q
Wu
Yan-qiao
YQ
Zhao
Jin-liang
JL
Shang
Yao-dong
YD
Guo
Xiao-feng
XF
Peng
Zi-cheng
ZC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*