A case of the hypopharyngeal superficial cancer treated effectively with steroid injection for postoperative adhesion and stenosis prevention

Abstract

We experienced a patient with superficial hypopharyngeal cancer in whom a steroid injection effectively prevented postoperative adhesions and stenosis. The patient was a 59-year-old man who had undergone an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and was diagnosed with superficial hypopharyngeal cancer 1 year later. He underwent endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery after a detailed examination. No postoperative adhesions or stenosis occurred after the steroid injection. Steroids inhibit postoperative adhesions and stenosis through their anti-inflammatory and fibrosis-inhibiting effects. A steroid injection is easier than other procedures, such as endoscopic balloon dilation or incision, and causes little pain or risk for patients. A steroid injection is effective and useful for preventing postoperative adhesions and stenosis in a patient with superficial hypopharyngeal cancer.