The use of cervical fascia for hypopharyngeal reconstruction with laryngeal preservation

Abstract.

Surgical resection of carcinomas of the posterior hypopharyngeal wall and reconstruction of defects with preservation of laryngeal function and swallowing are complex surgical problems. The various reconstructive procedures have been well described. There is no uniform agreement among surgeons as to which of the most frequently used techniques offers the best results. We use the cervical fascia in a new method for reconstruction of the posterior hypopharyngeal wall after carcinoma resection with preservation of laryngeal functions. Reconstruction with the fascia flap was used in eight selected patients. The surgical technique is easy and oncologically safe, with a short operative time and low complication rate. The cervical fascia proved to be good quality biological material for the reconstruction of two-dimensional defects. Functional results of swallowing, respiration and phonation have been satisfactory. Based on our experience and good results using the cervical fascia flap, this method has proven to be very beneficial in select patients with carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx.