[Selection of methods of rehabilitation for hypopharyngeal defects after hypopharyngeal carcinoma removal].

OBJECTIVE

To explore how to repair hypopharyngeal defects after hypopharyngeal carcinoma removal.

METHOD: We analysed the methods of stage I rehabilitation for hypopharyngeal defects and deglutitory function in 31 cases carried out hypopharyngeal carcinoma operation in our department from June, 1996 to June, 2001.

RESULT: 1 case was performed "zero rehabilitation". In 15 of 17 cases (88.2%) carried out with direct suture rehabilitation, deglutitory function is good. In 6 of 13 cases (46.2%) carried out with tissue graft rehabilitation, deglutitory function is good. In 9 of 14 cases carried out with preserved laryngeal operation synchronously, deglutitory function is good(all direct suture rehabilitation). There were 5 cases with worse deglutitory function(each case occured inhalational error, 2 of them were direct suture rehabilitation and 3 of them were, issue graft rehabilitation).

CONCLUSION

Patients obtain a better deglutitory function after direct suture rehabilitation. For total hypopharyngeal defects, stomach/intestines pull-up is superior to myocutaneous flap transposition. For synchronous preserved laryngeal operation, we should pay more attentions in case selection and inhalational error prevention. "Zero rehabilitation" is helpful to enhance the indication of surgical treatment for hypopharyngeal carcinoma.