Resection of selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus by means of the lateral pharyngotomy approach: the partial lateral pharyngectomy

Functional Outcomes After Transoral Plus Lateral Pharyngotomy Approach for Advanced Oral and Oropharyngeal Tumors

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional experience with the combined transoral plus lateral pharyngotomy (TO+LP) approach in a subset of patients with advanced or recurrent oral and oropharyngeal malignancy.

Study Design

A retrospective study of procedures utilizing TO+LP for cancer resection between January 2007 and July 2019.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Thirty-one patients underwent a TO+LP approach for the resection of oral and oropharyngeal tumors. Functional and oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Eighteen (58.1%) patients were treated with TO+LP for recurrent disease. Twenty-nine required free tissue transfer and 2 (6.5%) had positive margins. The median time to decannulation was 22 days (range 6-100 days). Thirteen (41.9%) patients still required enteral feeding at their most recent follow-up. Patients without a history of prior radiation were decannulated sooner (p = .009) and were less likely to require enteral feeding at the first postoperative follow-up (p = .034) than those who had prior head and neck radiotherapy.

Conclusion

A TO+LP approach can be used to achieve good functional and oncologic results for selected patients with advanced or recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer when minimally invasive options such as transoral robotic surgery, transoral laser microsurgery, or radiotherapy are not possible.

Use of Supraclavicular Flap by End to Side Technique in Pharyngeal SCC: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Objectives

In recent years, conservation laryngeal surgeries, including partial pharyngectomy, have been introduced as an alternative procedure for selected cases of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Reconstruction of these defects presents a considerable challenge for the surgeon after partial pharyngectomy due to its circumferential nature. In this case report, we represent the innovative "End to side" technique to reconstruct hypopharyngeal defect using the rolled supraclavicular flap after laryngeal-preserving partial pharyngectomy.

Methods and Results

A 70-year-old female presented with a history of progressive dysphagia and odynophagia. The evaluations revealed a T3N0M0 SCC of pyriform sinus. The mass was successfully resected through partial pharyngectomy, and the hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction was achieved using the rolled supraclavicular flap via the "End to side" technique. The patient was discharged after decannulation on day 10. The 3-week barium swallow was performed with no evidence of anastomotic leakage, and the oral feeding was started after NG tube removal. At week 5, complete movement of the true vocal cord on the one side and good phonation and deglutition was observed. There was no evidence of recurrence after 1 year.

Conclusions

Laryngeal-preserving partial pharyngectomy and hypopharyngeal reconstruction with the rolled supraclavicular flap via the "End to side" technique could lead to good oncological and functional outcomes in selected cases of pyriform sinus.

"End to Side Technique": More organ preservation with less morbidity in patients with pyriform sinus apex SCC

INTRODUCTION

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare, but highly aggressive. Due to the advanced stage of this cancer at the time of diagnosis, radical surgery with reconstruction of pharynx is the standard care with high morbidity and mortality rate. A safer partial pharyngectomy could also be used for invasive hypopharyngeal cancer. In this study, we investigated the short and long-term outcomes in patients with SCC of the pyriform sinus apex undergoing standard partial pharyngectomy using a new suturing technique, called end to side technique.

METHODS

This case series was performed on 8 patients with SCC of the pyriform sinus apex at the otorhinolaryngology clinic. All participants underwent standard partial pharyngectomy using "end to side technique". Post-operative evaluations included 6 and 12 months CT scan and 1-year barium swallow.

RESULTS

Of 8 patients, 7 were male (87.5%) and 1 was female (12.5%) with a mean age of 60 years old. All patients were diagnosed at stage III of hypopharyngeal cancer and cervical lymph node involvement was reported in 3 patients (37.5%). Tumor margins were negative in all patients. Fistula was reported in 2 patients (25%) which was managed using conservative treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our study, the standard partial pharyngectomy with end to side technique is a safe and feasible method for the surgical resection of the squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus apex with good short-term and long-term outcomes.

Lateral pharyngotomy

Based on a review of the medical literature, the authors document the key technical points, variants, technical errors to avoid and main functional results of lateral pharyngotomy for resection of cancers originating from the lateral oro and/or hypopharynx.

Clinical outcomes of transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer

Background

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was developed as a new distinct surgical procedure for hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) and supraglottic cancer (SGC) staged at up to T3. However, long-term treatment outcomes of TOVS remain to be validated.

Methods

Under a straight broad intraluminal view provided by combined use of a distending laryngoscope and a videolaryngoscope, we performed en bloc tumor resection via direct bimanual handling of the ready-made straight-form surgical instruments and devices. We retrospectively analyzed functional and oncologic outcomes of 72 patients with HPC (n = 58) or SGC (n = 14) whose minimum follow-up was 24 months or until death.

Results

The cohort comprised nine patients of Tis, 23 of T1, 33 of T2, and 7 of T3. Among 36 patients (50%) who underwent neck dissection simultaneously, all but one were pathologically node-positive. Twelve patients underwent postoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) as adjuvant treatment, and another four patients underwent radiation or CCRT for second or later primary cancer. The endotracheal tube was removed in an operation room in all but two patients who underwent temporary tracheostomy. Pharyngeal fistula was formed transiently in two patients. The median time until patients resumed oral intake and could take a soft meal was 2 and 5 days, respectively. Eventually, 69 patients (96%) took normal meals. The 5-year cause-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), larynx-preserved CSS, and loco-regional controlled CSS were 87.3%, 77.9%, 86.0%, and 88.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed N2-3 as an independent prognostic factor in both CSS (hazard ratio [HR] = 25.51, P = 0.008) and OS (HR = 4.90, P = 0.022), which indirectly reflected higher risk of delayed distant metastasis.

Conclusions

Considering its sound functional and oncological outcomes with various practical advantages, TOVS can be a dependable, less invasive, and cost-effective surgical option of an organ-function preservation strategy for HPC and SGC.

Primary radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus

The objective of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of primary radiotherapy (RT) for patients with T1-T2 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the pyriform sinus. Between November 1964 and March 2008, 135 patients with T1-T2 pyriform sinus SCC were treated with primary RT at the University of Florida. Adjuvant chemotherapy was employed in 21 patients (16 %) and 62 patients (46 %) underwent a planned neck dissection. Median follow-up was 3.5 years (range 0.2-24.7 years); median follow-up on living patients was 8.3 years (range 3.8-24.0 years). The 5-year outcomes were as follows: local control, 85 %; regional control, 81 %; local-regional control, 71 %; distant metastasis-free survival, 76 %; cause-specific survival, 62 %; and overall survival, 38 %. The 5-year local control rate was 88 % for T1 cancers and 84 % for those with T2 SCCs (p = 0.5429). Sixteen patients (12 %) experienced severe late complications. Primary RT results in a high probability of cure with a relatively modest risk of severe late complications for patients with T1-T2 SCCs of the pyriform sinus.

Function and organ preservation in adult cancers of the head and neck

Treatment for primary head and neck cancer has evolved from the use of radical approaches to therapies preserving important functions. Essential to this concept is the maintenance of therapeutic efficacy. The advances of organ-sparing surgery, improved radiation techniques and fractionation, and the addition of chemotherapy and targeted systemic agents, have added to the number of patients who undergo organ-preservation therapy. Crucial functions that can be spared include speech, swallowing, vision, salivation and cosmesis. This paper examines advances in therapy that allow the preservation of these important functions, scenarios where organ and function preservation is indicated, given current technology and agents, and where there might be future improvements.

Traditional transcutaneous approaches in head and neck surgery

The treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies remains a challenging task for the head and neck surgeon as the chosen treatment modality often has to bridge the gap between oncologically sound radicality and preservation of function. Due to the increase in transoral laser surgery in early tumor stages and chemoradiation in advanced stages, the usage of traditional transcutaneous approaches has decreased over the recent past. In addition, the need for a function-sparing surgical approach as well as highest possible quality of life has become evident. In view of these facts, rationale and importance of traditional transcutaneous approaches to the treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies are discussed in a contemporary background. The transcutaneous open partial laryngectomies remain a valuable tool in the surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of early and advanced laryngeal carcinomas, especially in cases of impossible laryngeal overview using the rigid laryngoscope. Open partial laryngetomies offer superior overview and oncologic safety at the anterior commissure, especially in recurrencies. In select advanced cases and salvage settings, the supracricoid laryngectomy offers a valuable tool for function-preserving but oncologically safe surgical therapy at the cost of high postoperative morbidity and a very demanding rehabilitation of swallowing.In hypopharyngeal malignancies, the increasing use of transoral laser surgery has led to a decline in transcutaneous resections via partial pharyngectomy with partial laryngectomy in early tumor stages. In advanced stages of tumors of the piriform sinus and the postcricoid area with involvement of the larynx, total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy is an oncologically safe approach. The radical surgical approach using circumferent laryngopharyngectomy with/without esophagectomy is indicated in salvage cases with advanced recurrences or as a primary surgical approach in patients where chemoradiation does not offer sufficient oncologic control or preservation of function. In cases with impending reconstruction, fasciocutaneous free flaps (anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap) seem to offer superior results to enteric flaps in cases where the cervical esophagus is not involved leading to better voice rehabilitation with fewer complications and postoperative morbidity. In salvage situations, the Gastroomental Free Flap has proven to be a valuable tool.In conclusion, the choice of a surgical treatment modality is influenced by the patient's anatomy, tumor size and location as well as the surgeon's personal expertise.

Radiotherapy for stage I or II hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and early-stage HPSCC is relatively rare. Because of the rarity of early-stage HPSCC, few reports have been published on the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in its treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 45 consecutive patients with Stage I and II HPSCC from May 1991 to June 2010. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age, 66 years (range, 44-90 years); male/female, 39/6; and T1/T2, 27/18. The irradiation dose ranged from 60 to 72 Gy (median: 70 Gy). Of the 45 patients, 21 underwent concurrent chemotherapy. With a median follow-up period of 62 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 81%. Local failure occurred in 5 patients, and the 5-year local control rate was 83%. All local recurrences were successfully salvaged by surgery. The 5-year functional larynx preservation rate was 92%. Acute toxicity was manageable. Grade 3 laryngeal edema and Grade 3 hypothyroidism occurred in 1 patient each. No other late adverse events of Grade 3 or greater were observed. Based on these results, RT seemed to be an effective treatment modality for early HPSCC, with favorable organ preservation and acceptable adverse events. Early detection and accurate management of local recurrence and second malignancy was deemed to be critical.

Extended voice-sparing surgery in selected pyriform sinus carcinoma: techniques and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Organ-preservation approaches are frequently favored in the treatment of advanced pyriform sinus carcinoma. In selected cases, use of free flaps allows voice-sparing surgery.

METHODS

Thirteen patients underwent conservative extended laryngopharyngectomy. In 11 patients, the resection included the supraglottic larynx, whereas the whole hemilarynx was resected in 2. Reconstruction was achieved with a radial forearm free flap with the palmaris longus tendon. In hemilarynx resection, a costal graft was also used. Functional results were assessed by nasofibroscopy and swallowing videofluoroscopic tests.

RESULTS

At 12 months, no patient was gastrostomy dependent, whereas 1 patient remained tracheostomy dependent. At 1, 3, and 5 years, the locoregional control was 100%, 100%, and 83%; overall survival was 69.4%, 46.3%, and 30.8%; and disease-specific survival was 81.2%, 54.5%, and 36.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, extended conservative laryngopharyngectomy challenges the oncologic results of organ-preservation protocols and allows a good quality of life.

Larynx-Preserving Partial Pharyngectomy via Lateral Pharyngotomy for the Treatment of Small (T(1~2)) Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives

To evaluate the oncologic and functional results of larynx-preserving partial pharyngectomy (LPP) via lateral pharyngotomy approach as a primary treatment for small (T1 or T2) hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 23 patients who underwent LPP through lateral pharyngotomy approach for small HPSCC at the our department between January 1991 and June 2007. Fourteen (61%) patients had adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy.

Results

The 2-years and 5-years disease specific survival rate was 77% and 61%, respectively. Nine patients (39%) had tumor recurrence. The most common pattern of recurrence was isolated distant failure (n=4, 44%) followed by local (n=2, 22%) and loco-regional (n=3, 34%) recurrence. The ultimate cure rate of the primary tumor was 87% (20 of 23). Twenty-two of the 23 patients (95%) could be decannulated, tolerate an oral diet, and had acceptable postoperative phonatory function.

Conclusion

LPP via lateral pharyngotomy approach appears to be a feasible procedure for selected small HPSCC patients in terms of both oncologic and functional outcomes.

Preservation of laryngeal functions in surgical treatment of pyriform sinus carcinoma

CONCLUSION

The tumor's grade, rather than the tumor's location, was related to the opportunity of preserving laryngeal functions in patients with pyriform sinus cancer. The survival rate decreased significantly with the increase of tumor grade or node grade. Preservation of laryngeal functions is a safe and promising method without compromising the survival rate of patients with pyriform sinus cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Surgical resection of pyriform sinus carcinoma has a profound influence on the preservation of laryngeal functions. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the surgical treatment of pyriform sinus carcinoma in the preservation of laryngeal functions without compromising the survival rate.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty patients with pyriform sinus cancer had been operated from March 1978 to December 2002. Of them, 158 cases had been operated with the preservation of laryngeal functions and 72 cases had been undergone total laryngectomy. In addition, 216 cases had received adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. All cases were followed up for 6-12 months (mean 51 ± 26) after surgery. The survival rate was calculated on the basis of Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the factors that influenced the survival rate of patients with and without preservation of laryngeal functions were analyzed with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Laryngeal functions were preserved completely (speech, respiration, and deglutition) in 70.9% (112/158) cases, and partially (speech and deglutition) in 29.1% (46/158) cases. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 75.4% and 59.0%, respectively, for the group with laryngeal function preservation, and 58.6% and 41.5%, respectively, for the group without preservation. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate between the two groups within the follow-up period (p > 0.05). Increase in the tumor grade resulted in a proportional decrease of patients with preservation of laryngeal function (p < 0.05). Increase in the tumor grade (p < 0.05) or node grade (p < 0.05) also led to significant decrease in the survival rate. The location of the primary lesions (the lateral wall or medial wall of the pyriform sinus) showed no significant influence on either the opportunity for preserving laryngeal functions (p > 0.05) or survival rate of patients (p > 0.05).