Pharyngolaryngectomy with extrathoracic esophagectomy.

Fourteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy and extrathoracic esophagectomy with primary pharyngogastric anastomosis. Histological examination of the resected specimens showed extensive submucosal spread into the cervical esophagus, necessitating a radical excision of the esophagus for adequate distal clearance. The results of this method of management are discussed.