[Preservation of laryngeal function in surgery for medial wall pyriform sinus cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility, surgical technique and results of laryngeal function preservation in surgical treatment for medial wall pyriform sinus cancer.

METHODS

From 1992 to 1999, 31 patients with medial wall pyriform sinus cancer including stage I 1, II 4, III 14 and IV 12 lesions were treated. Partial resection of pyriform sinus and partial laryngectomy were performed, then, the remains of epiglottis and uni-pedicled sternohyoid myofascial flap were used to restore the defects of larynx. At last, the remaining hypopharyngeal mucosa was sutured to cover the wound of hypopharynx and for artificial rebuild-up. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 62.1% and 43.6% respectively, with 77.4% patients having laryngeal functions (voice, respiration and deglutition) completely restored and 32.6% partially restored (voice and deglutition).

CONCLUSION

Conservative surgery so introduced is feasible for selected medial wall pyriform sinus cancer patients with the lesion completely resected.