Prevention of hypopharyngeal stenosis with silastic sheeting following transoral resection.

Hypopharyngeal stenosis following transoral laser microresection (TLM) of hypopharyngeal carcinomas is a rare but devastating complication. Early oral intake and insertion of a nasogastric feeding tube have been thought to prevent stenosis after surgery. However, though rare, severe dysphagia can be caused by hypopharyngeal stenosis following TLM despite preventive efforts. We suggest a new way to prevent hypopharyngeal stenosis by using silastic sheeting with a feeding tube. This stent was inserted in three patients who underwent extensive TLM of hypopharyngeal carcinomas. This technique will help in the treatment and prevention of hypopharyngeal stenosis following TLM in selected patients with wide or circumferential hypopharyngeal tumors.