Circular defects after total pharyngolaryngectomy present a reconstructive challenge. In this study, the authors compared the swallowing results after three reconstructive techniques: free forearm flap, free jejunal loop and folded pectoralis major flap. Forty-six patients were included and were evaluated with a self-administered deglutition handicap score (DHI) questionnaire and FEES. The mean DHI score was 24. Twenty-seven patients could eat normally and at the other extreme, three were gastrostomy fed. FEES was considered normal in 58% of cases with no significant differences between the techniques. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative stenosis and need for dilatation in all cases. The authors conclude that the technique used to reconstruct the pharynx has no impact on the functional status of the patient and each surgeon can choose the techniques which gives the best results according to their habits and expertise.
Deglutition in pharyngolaryngectomy patients
Reviewed by Badr El Mostafa
Evaluation de la deglutition des patients operes d’une pharyngolatryngectomie totale circulaire. Etude multicentrique du GETTEC.
CONTRIBUTOR
Badr Eldin Mostafa
Ain-Shams Faculty of Medicine, Almaza , Heliopolis, Egypt.
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