A novel technique in the operative treatment of pyriform sinus carcinoma

Pyriform sinus carcinoma is a highly malignant carcinoma of the head and ne ck region as a result of its location and its potential for metastatic spre ad. Decisions regarding the operative procedure remain very difficult. In t his paper, we present a modified partial laryngo-pharyngectomy in which, fo llowing extended vertical laryngectomy, the cancerous mass is removed from the involved pyriform. sinus and the remaining hypopharynx is reconstructed by using the preserved outer perichondrium of the resected thyroid cartila ge. This technique has been applied with adequate success during the last f ive years in five cases in our department. It is indicated when a pyriform. sinus carcinoma does not extend to the pyriform apex and does not involve the anterior and posterior laryngeal commissures, paraglottic space, retroc ricoid region and posterior pharyngeal wall beyond the midline. All patient s treated were male and middle-aged. Our technique appears to be a reliable alternative for the operative treatment of pyriform. sinus carcinoma.