Selecting variants in pharyngeal reconstruction.

A dramatic change in the techniques of immediate pharyngeal reconstruction in the last 10 years is largely due to the availability of myocutaneous flaps, microvascular techniques, and the increasing popularity of the "gastric pull-up" operation. The experience of the Head and Neck Service of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in repair of the pharynx following pharyngeal resection between 1974 and 1983 is reviewed and the changing trends in the philosophy of pharyngeal reconstruction are highlighted. The methods of reconstruction used were deltopectoral flap, gastric pull-up, free microvascular bowel transfer, and pectoralis myocutaneous flap. The indications, morbidity, effectiveness, and complications for each of these procedures are discussed. The optimal reconstructive methods for partial and total pharyngeal reconstruction are as follows: 1) primary closure for defects not exceeding one third of the circumference of the pharynx; 2) pectoralis myocutaneous flap repair for pharyngeal defects with loss of up to 70% of the circumference of the pharynx; 3) gastric pull-up with pharyngogastrostomy for defects exceeding 70% of the circumference of the pharynx; 4) gastric pull-up for all pharyngoesophageal defects where the lower margin of resection is below the tracheostome; and 5) reversed pectoralis myocutaneous flap with split thickness skin graft on the muscle for secondary closure of the pharyngostome.