Long-term results and functional outcome after cervical evisceration in patients with thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND

Surgical strategy in patients with thyroid cancer (TC) infiltrating the aerodigestive system is controversial. This study was undertaken to examine the long-term results of cervical evisceration (CE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Since 1995, 14 consecutive patients with advanced TC underwent total laryngectomy (LE, n = 6) or esophagolaryngectomy (ELR, n = 8). Patients with unusual thyroid neoplasms or metastases to the thyroid (n = 3) were excluded. For esophageal reconstruction, free jejunal grafts (n = 6) and gastric tubes (n = 2) were used.

RESULTS

Procedure-related morbidity and mortality were 42% and 14%, respectively. ELR was associated with a significant higher frequency of complications and reoperations compared with LE. Twelve-month and 30-month survival rates were 73% and 55%, respectively; 85% of the patients were satisfied with the surgical results. There were no long-term problems concerning food intake in the ELR patients. Two ELR patients were able to learn a substitutive voice.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical evisceration in patients with TC is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality requiring careful patient selection. Regarding long-term survival, local tumor control, and patient's satisfaction, however, CE should be taken into account in suitable patients with advanced TC.