Operation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with restrained vocal cord motility

Objective To explore the feasibility of laryngeal function preservation in surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with restrained vocal cord motility. Methods Twenty-six cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with restrained vocal cord motility treated with conservative hypopharyngectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Partial resection of pyriform sinus and partial laryngectomy were performed. The hypopharyngeal wounds were repaired by remaining hypopharyngeal mucosa in 5 cases and by epiglottis complex flaps in 21 eases. All patients received postoperative radiotherapies. Results The overall 3- and 5- year survival rates were 61.4% and 50.8% respectively. Laryngeal functions （voice, respiration and deglutition） were completely restored in 20 cases （76.9%） and partial laryngeal functions （voice and deglutition） were restored in 6 cases （23.1%）. Conclusions To improve the postoperative life quality of the patients, the preservative surgery is feasible for some selected cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with restrained vocal cord motility. Key words: Hypopharyngeal neoplasms; Pharyngectomy; Laryngectomy