Abstract
We evaluated the treatment outcome of 32 cases with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent larynx preserved partial pharyngectomy with reconstruction using a free flap in our department between 1990 and 2009. Though only the short-term results have been reported for this surgery so far, we also evaluated the long-term results. Of the 32 cases, 30 received normal food, and the tracheal stoma was closed in 28 cases. Thirteen cases survived over five years, and 3 cases over ten years. In most of the cases with long-term survival, the larynx was preserved. Five cases suffered from pneumonia, which suggests the effects of swallowing dysfunction by aging or comorbidity. While this surgery is a superior treatment for laryngeal preservation, it should be chosen after careful consideration and requires long-term follow-up.
