Pharyngolaryngectomy, total extrathoracic esophagectomy and gastric transposition.

Overview

Total pharyngolaryngectomy, extrathoracic esophagectomy and immediate reconstruction using transposed stomach were performed without operative mortality in 16 patients using a two team approach. The intact transposed stomach appears to be a highly reliable esophageal substitute. Significant palliation was achieved since all were able to swallow by mouth until their death. Results in terms of survival were disappointing but, possibly, may be improved by better patient selection and the judicious use of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation.