[Suprahyoid pharyngotomy for surgical therapy of malignant and benign oral and hypopharyngeal tumors].

Many cases of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal neoplasms without diffuse infiltration of the larynx or mandible cannot be treated effectively by a transoral approach. In such cases a lateral and/or median translingual pharyngotomy can permit effective surgical therapy. However, these surgical techniques require greater effort and violate uninvolved tissues, such as the lip, mandible and floor of the mouth. In contrast to this, a suprahyoid pharyngotomy can be a simple and precise approach to the oropharynx and hypopharynx, and provide the shortest distance to the pathological process. The excellent exposure given to the oropharynx and hypopharynx offers a more exacting macroscopic identification of tumor margins and minimizes possible injuries to vital neurovascular structures. The wound created can usually be closed primarily without the need for regional flaps. These factors allow a faster healing of the wound and better rehabilitation, as well as avoiding delays in postoperative radiation therapy. Over the past 6 years a suprahyoid pharyngotomy was performed in eight patients. Five patients underwent resections of an oropharyngeal cancer while three patients required resections of benign neoplasms of the tongue base. In the cases of oropharyngeal cancer, a suprahyoid pharyngotomy was performed in combination with a unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. A tracheotomy was required in six patients. Three patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy. No locoregional recurrences were found in these patients, with a median follow-up of 20.8 months.