Pharyngeal reconstruction: current controversies.

Total pharyngeal reconstruction following ablative surgery has made significant advances over the past 10 years with the development of new techniques and the refinement of older methods. The reconstructive methods utilized by the authors in 26 cases over the past three years are presented. The methods employed were classified into three groups. Group A (N = 3) were reconstructed using myocutaneous flaps, Group B (N = 17) were repaired by primary gastric transposition, and Group C (N = 6) were handled using a free vascularized jejunal graft. Twenty-two of the patients received preoperative irradiation. The selection of appropriate procedure and technique, and the complications and limitations of each method are discussed.