Reconstruction of the Hypopharynx After Surgical Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (HPSCC) tends to present with an advanced stage. Surgery with postoperative radiation or chemoradiation therapy has been the standard treatment for HPSCC. Radical surgery may result in a large surgical defect of the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal regions. Reconstruction of the surgical defect is also important after ablation procedures. Many reconstructive methods have been developed. However, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The ideal method for hypopharyngeal reconstruction should have the following attributes if possible: single-stage procedure, high success rate of tissue transfer, low donor-site morbidity, low fistula and stenosis rates, restoration of the ability to speak and swallow, able to achieve successful reconstruction in a heavily radiated area and tolerance of postoperative radiotherapy. In this review article, we discuss the indications and drawbacks of several reconstructive methods that have been frequently used in our clinical practice. Finally, we will introduce the technique of laryngotracheal flap reconstruction, which was developed in our institution and has proved to be a simple and reliable method for hypopharyngeal reconstruction.