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J Reconstr Microsurg 2014; 30(09): 641-654
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1376887
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pharyngoesophageal Reconstruction Outcomes Following 349 Cases

Jesse C. Selber
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Amy Xue
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Jun Liu
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Matthew M. Hanasono
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Roman J. Skoracki
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Edward I. Chang
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Peirong Yu
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

18 January 2014

06 March 2014

Publication Date:
04 July 2014 (online)

Also available atMedOne
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Abstract

Background Pharyngoesophageal (PE) reconstruction is complex, with a diverse set of reconstructive considerations. This large series examines the impact of various defect characteristics and reconstructive modalities on outcomes.

Patients and Methods A retrospective review identified 349 cases from 2000 to 2011. Patients were grouped according to defect extent and location. Groups were compared by comorbidities, flap type, donor and recipient site complications, postoperative diet, and tracheoesophageal speech.

Results Of 349 cases, 193 (55.3%) PE defects were circumferential and 156 (44.7%) were partial. The majority of defects resulted from laryngopharyngectomy (72.5%), most reconstructed with the anterolateral thigh flap (60%). There were 15.5% total esophagectomies, all of which received supercharged jejunal flaps. Of 349 patients, 81 patients (23.2%) had recipient site complications and 51 patients (14.6%) had donor site complications. The fistula rate trended higher in circumferential defects (11 vs. 6%, p = 0.144), and the stricture rate was significantly higher (9.3 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.044). In total, 302 patients (86.5%) had an oral diet after reconstruction, 64 (18%) of whom required supplemental tube feeds. Among 147 patients (42%) who received tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP), 19 (12.9%) eventually failed. Approximately 87% of patients with TEPs achieved fluent speech. The 5-year survival was low for all groups, ranging from 0 to 35%.

Conclusions PE reconstruction can be performed safely, and most patients will achieve functional speech and swallowing. Swallowing function is worse when the larynx is removed, and the stricture rate is higher with circumferential defects. Specific technical measures can reduce the rate of common complications.

Level of Evidence The level of evidence of this article was level III.

Keywords

pharyngoesophageal reconstruction - head and neck reconstruction - anterolateral thigh flap - supercharged jejunem

Note

This work was presented at the American Association of Plastic Surgeons in New Orleans, LA in April 2013.