Publication:

Technique of neo-pharynx reconstruction with supra-clavicular artery island flap in a case of pharyngeal stricture

Pharyngeal stenosis frequently occurs after laryngectomy or laryngo-pharyngectomy, more commonly in patients complicated with a post-operative pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. Oral feeding becomes challenging, restricted to liquids. In such cases, dilatations can be futile if there is a complete stricture necessiating surgery. We present a case of 72 -year-old man who underwent total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy with pectoral major myocutaneous flap reconstruction for second primary of hypopharyngeal T3N0M0, after primary laryngeal T1N0M0 treated with RT presented with nearly 4 cm pharyngeal stricture causing him absolute dysphagia. Multiple dilations failed to create adequate passage, pharyngeal stricture was then excised, and a neopharynx was constructed with supraclavicular artery island flap. The outcome was uneventful with restoration of normal pharyngeal permeability and swallowing by 12th post-operative day. Post-operative follow-up after 8 months remained satisfactory. Resection of limited height pharyngeal stenosis can be successfully performed as end-to-end anastomosis whereas reconstruction of a long segment pharyngeal stricture utilizing a loco-regional flap gives satisfactory outcome.