Larynx-preserving pharyngo-esophagectomy after chemoradiation in the treatment of cancer of the pharyngo-esophageal junction

Pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy in the treatment of advanced tumors of the p haryngo-esophageal junction is associated with a high morbidity and poor qu ality of life due to loss of the larynx. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy resu lted in a considerable tumor reduction in 6 patients allowing radical tumor resection by larynx-preserving pharyngo-esophagectomy. The operation consi sted of total esophagectomy and resection of the posterior pharyngeal wall and reconstruction by a pharyngogastrostomy in 5 patients, and ileocolon in terposition in 1 patient. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.