[The reconstruction of upper alimentary tract after resection of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer].

The most difficult problem during surgical treatment in the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer is the reconstruction of upper alimentary tract after resection of the lesions. From April 1984 to October 1990, 52 patients of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer were treated by surgery (39 men and 13 women). The age ranged 43-73 years. All of the cases were squamous cell carcinoma except one adenocarcinoma. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMF) was used in 32 patients, total gastric transposition (GT) in 15 patients, free jejunal interposition (FJI) in 3 patients and free forearm flap (FFF) in 2 patients. Results showed that satisfactory and lasting deglutatory function was achieved in 48 of 52 patients (92.3%). One and three-year survival rates were 86.2% and 65% respectively. These data showed that reconstructive method described above are effective and reliable.