Pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal reconstruction after mutilating surgery for malignant hypopharyngeal cancers

The authors summarise their reconstructive surgical experience after the ra dical excision of hypopharyngeal tumours. In selective cases the preservati on of the larynx is a reliable surgical option and supraglottic surgery is sufficient to remove the tumour. Myocutaneous paddle flaps were used in eve ry case after the surgical resection for the reconstruction of the pharyngo -oesophageal entrance. After total circular pharyngo-laryngectomy, the cont inuity of the upper digestive tract was reconstructed by tubed myocutanous flaps.