Hypopharyngeal reconstruction using a circular stapler.

Distal anastomosis by tubed free flap is one of the main technical difficulties encountered during hypopharyngeal reconstruction. Although high flap survival probability can be achieved by experienced surgical teams, two complications are commonly observed at the flap-oesophagus junction: fistula and stenosis. Use of a circular stapler reduced the frequency of these complications by ensuring a perfectly circular and resistant suture line. Salivary stent placement is therefore unnecessary, allowing earlier resumption of feeding. The stapling procedure is simple, but a few technical skills are required, as the stapler is not specifically designed for this purpose. We describe the indications, surgical procedure and global results based on our series. We consider the forearm flap to be the gold standard for this reconstruction, but thicker flaps, such as pectoralis major flap, can also be used, but with poorer results in terms of healing and swallowing performance.