Radiation-induced pharyngeal stenosis. A report of two cases after planned postoperative radiation therapy.

Two cases of almost complete stenosis of the hypopharynx occurred after laryngectomy, radical neck dissection, and postoperative radiation therapy. Successful reconstruction that utilized a tubed, deltopectoral flap was accomplished in each case. In the absence of evidence indicating increased long-term survival with combined surgery and postoperative radiation therapy, one must question the utilization of these methods. Decreased local recurrence or cervical metastasis may not be an adequate justification if the rate of complications is notably increased, especially when complications can be as severe as these.