Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with pharyngogastric anastomosis for cancer of the hypopharynx: review of 101 operations.

During the period between 1965 and 1983, 101 pharyngolaryngoesophagectomies with primary pharyngogastric anastomosis were carried out for primary hypopharyngeal cancer at The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, England. The Hospital mortality rate was 11%; postoperative complications such as pleural effusion and regurgitation of bile occurred in all patients. Successful swallowing occurred in all patients before they left the hospital--usually within 2 wk of surgery. An actuarial survival rate of 58% was obtained for the entire group.