Application of pedicled supraclavicular flaps in hypopharyngectomy with preservation of laryngeal function.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of pedicled supraclavicular flaps in hypopharyngectomy reconstruction, with a focus on preserving laryngeal function.

Methods: From August 2019 to June 2022, 14 patients with primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent the repair of hypopharyngeal defects using pedicled supraclavicular flaps were included retrospectively. Relevant clinical evaluation indicators include patient characteristics, defect sizes, flap sizes, flap harvesting time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, recurrence, and survival outcomes.

Results: Among the 14 patients, pyriform sinus carcinoma (n = 10) and posterior hypopharyngeal wall carcinoma (n = 4) were present, with stages T2 (n = 7), T3 (n = 4), T4 (n = 3), N0 (n = 3), N1 (n = 1), and N2 (n = 10). The average defect size was 7.0 (4.0-12.6) cm in the longitudinal diameter and 4.1 (2.8-7.5) cm in the transverse diameter. The mean flap size was 8.4 (5.0-14.0) cm in length and 6.5 (4.0-9.0) cm in width. The mean time for flap harvesting was 37.0 (29.0-51.0) min. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 24.0 (12.0-48.0) days. The mean follow-up period was 20.3 (4.0-47.0) months, and one of the 14 patients was lost during follow-up. Short-term postoperative complications included partial flap necrosis (n = 1), subcutaneous hematoma at the donor site (n = 1), and pharyngeal fistula (n = 4). Long-term complications encompassed pharyngoesophageal anastomotic stenosis (n = 2) and shoulder elevation dysfunction (n = 2). Tumor recurrence occurred in 3 patients. 1 patient succumbed to massive hemorrhage resulting from neck infection due to pharyngeal fistula during chemoradiotherapy. 2 patients succumbed to tumor-related causes. The gastric tube was removed in 13 patients, and the tracheal tube was extracted in 10 patients.

Conclusion: The supraclavicular flap offers a promising alternative for reconstruction during hypopharyngectomy with preservation of laryngeal function. It can be utilized to reshape the morphology of the pyriform fossa, aryepiglottic wall, and laryngeal cavity, thereby restoring the functionality of the laryngopharynx.