Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. Is a skin-lined pharynx necessary?

Current methods of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have in common the creation of an epithelial lined pharynx. We performed eight cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap. In the first six cases, split-thickness skin was quilted onto the muscle. In the last two cases, pectoralis major muscle alone was used, allowing epithelialization to occur from adjacent mucosa. The results with this simplified technique have been as good as when a skin-grafted muscle flap was used. We prefer a pectoralis major muscle flap, with or without split-thickness skin, to a pectoralis myocutaneous flap. There is no hair growth, it is easy to tube, and a thin-walled pharynx is produced. This is an advantage for the development of an esophageal voice, and tracheoesophageal puncture can be easily performed if no voice is achieved. All of our patients received full-dose, preoperative radiotherapy. One patient developed a fistula that closed spontaneously. There have been no strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction. All patients quickly established a good oral intake.