Supracricoid Hemilaryngopharyngectomy in Patients with Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Pyriform Sinus

Reconstruction of subtotal pharyngolaryngectomy using a fasciocutaneous free flap with cartilage graft: A case series of 17 patients

INTRODUCTION

Subcricoid-hemilaryngopharyngectomy (SCHLP) with a reconstruction using a fasciocutaneous free flap armed with cartilage graft (FFACG) aims to avoid permanent tracheostomy while still maintaining the laryngopharyngeal functions. The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of this surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study including 17 men operated between 2001 and 2019. Specific survival rate included death caused by cancer or SCHLP complications. Complications, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were no locoregional recurrences. One patient died due to inhalation pneumonia 3 years after surgery. Tracheostomy was closed in 13 patients (76.5%). Mean decannulation time was at six [1-14] months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

SCHPL with FFACG could avoid total pharyngolaryngectomy with good oncologic results. However, tracheotomy is extended and deglutition recovery is long with high risk of aspirations. These complications justify that such surgery should be realized only on selected patients by experienced surgical teams. Expertise of the surgical team is critical.

Efficacy of Larynx Preservation Surgery and Multimodal Adjuvant Therapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer: A Case Series Study

Background: Larynx preservation surgery (LPS) combined with multimodal adjuvant therapy (MAT) is re-emerging as treatment option for hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC). This study aims to explore the survival and functional outcome of this combined approach. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Selected patients with primary HPC treated by LPS and MAT at two large Beijing medical centers between 2005 and 2019 were included. In addition to LPS, patients received one or more of the following treatments: preoperative induction chemotherapy, postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Results: In total, 64 patients were included (62 were men, and median age was 57.5 years). The disease in most patients was in stage III (28.1%) or IV (56.3%), or in stage T2 (34.4%) or T3 (45.3%), based on the TNM scale. Across all patients, the rate of overall survival (OS) was 60.7% at 3 yr and 47.3% at 5 yr. OS was significantly higher for patients with stage I or II disease than for those with stage III or IV disease (HR 8.64, 95% CI 3.69-20.2, log-rank P = .010). Decannulation was successful in 55 patients (85.9%), and swallowing function was satisfactory (stage 0-III, on Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale) for 50 (78.1%). Median Voice Handicap Index-10 score on voice performance was 19 (range 4-40), and median Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Questionnaire score for QoL was 75 (range 16-105). Conclusions: LPS and MAT can provide satisfactory oncologic control and good functional outcomes for selected patients with HPC, especially those with stage I or II disease.

Survival and swallowing function outcome impact factors analysis of surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer in a series of 122 patients

OBJECTIVE

Under current standards of treating highly aggressive hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC), oncological control and functional outcome are still unsatisfactory worldwide. This study explored the surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment approach based on 15 years of practice.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of HPC patients treated by the senior author at Chinese PLA General Hospital between Nov 2005 and Aug 2012 and Capital Medical University Beijing Friendship Hospital between May 2014 and Nov 2019 was studied. Oncological control, swallowing function, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 122 patients were included in this study, with 11 (9.0%) cases in the early stage and 111 (91.0%) cases in the advanced stage. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 40.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The swallowing outcome was satisfactory in 90 (73.8%) patients. Tracheostomy-free survival was achieved in 55 (45.1%) patients. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent impact factors for OS and DFS (P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence on swallowing function were 1.274 (.532) and 1.283 (.496), respectively (P < .05). In addition, the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of the clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube on QoL were -7.803 (3.593), -7.699 (3.151), 13.853 (3.494), and -20.243 (3.696), respectively (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment can give rise to good swallowing function without jeopardizing oncological control. The size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent factors impacting OS and DFS. Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence were independent factors impacting swallowing function. Clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube were independent factors impacting QoL.

Failure of OPHL type IIb due to undiagnosed Eagle syndrome

A 52-year-old man with glottic-supraglottic tumour underwent open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) IIb. On the 12th day postoperative, laryngoscopy showed necrotic tissue at the level of pexy and an increased distance between tongue base and neoglottis; the neck CT showed cricoid arch rupture and rupture of the pexy. By re-examining the preoperative CT images, the ossification of stylohyoid ligament (Eagle syndrome) was detected and supposed as the possible cause of cricoid rupture due to its traction on the hyoid bone and therefore on the pexy. The stylohyoid ligaments were cut at their insertion on the hyoid bone and a tracheohyoidopexy was performed. Two months after surgery, the patient had only some swallowing impairments. This case represents a complication in OPHL II never reported in literature caused by an undiagnosed Eagle syndrome in preoperative, pointing out the importance to search for any anatomical anomaly that could jeopardise the success of the surgery.

Open-neck organ preservation surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer: indications, techniques, limits, and outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To appraise the practice and role of open-neck organ preserving surgery for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to update the current indications, techniques, limits, and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The role of primary surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma has shifted over the past two decades to primary nonsurgical management with the use of induction or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The preferred and most suitable tumours for open-neck surgery are the small-volume T stage diseases, with small to medium-volume neck metastases, however such patients are exceedingly rare. Nonetheless, more advanced tumours with cartilage invasion, vocal cord paralysis, or located at piriform apex and postcricoid area, previously unsuitable for open-neck organ preserving surgery, can now be excised and repaired, minimizing morbidity and improving quality of patients' life. Much of this surgical progress has been developed by innovative surgeons using free tissue transfer, accurate placement surgery, reconstruction of a neoglottis, and perfecting the pharyngoesophageal anastomosis. Current practice of open-neck organ preserving surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma has been mainly reported in Asia: Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and China.

SUMMARY

There are some patients who are deemed unsuitable and/or unwilling for current treatment by nonsurgical approaches, and open-neck organ preserving laryngopharyngeal surgery may be a more suitable alternative than selecting a 'lesser or modified' chemo or bioradiotherapy regimen, resulting in a prolonged quantity and quality of life.

Comparison between open partial laryngectomy with tube-free tracheostomy and total laryngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer with cartilage invasion

The present study aimed to identify a feasible treatment strategy for hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) with non-extensive invasion of the thyroid and/or cricoid cartilage. Between June 2008 and December 2014, patients with previously untreated HPC invading cartilage who had received either open partial laryngectomy (OPL) with tube-free tracheostomy or total laryngectomy (TL) with permanent tracheostomy and an artificial larynx (pneumatic tube) were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with extensive cartilage invasion and those with inoperable or T4b disease were excluded for OPL. Outcomes and quality of life were compared between the two treatment modalities. A total of 44 patients were included. The survival rates, complications, and Dysphagia Score were compared between the two treatment modalities. The outcome of the Voice Handicap Index (P=0.032), understandability of speech (P<0.001), normalcy of diet (P=0.041), senses (P=0.006), speech (P<0.001) and social contact (P=0.004) were significantly improved in the group receiving OPL compared with the group receiving TL. Therefore, OPL with tube-free tracheostomy may be a feasible option to treat patients with HPC with non-extensive invasion of the thyroid and/or cricoid cartilage.

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.

Current management strategy of hypopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hypopharynx represents a distinct clinical entity among other cancers of the head and neck region. Despite recent advances in chemoradiotherapy, surgery remains the preferred therapeutic option for locally advanced disease and salvage for failure after chemo-radiotherapy. In this article, several aspects of surgical and non-surgical approaches in the management of hypopharyngeal cancer are discussed.

METHODS

A search in pubmed was made for publications with regard to the management of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

RESULTS

In early-staged hypopharyngeal cancer, the overall and disease-specific survival rates after organ-preserving radiotherapy is comparable to that after surgery. However, for advanced staged disease, the results initial surgery with post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy was superior to chemoradiotherapy alone. The incidence of occult nodal metastasis is found to be more than 20%. Selective neck dissection removing cervical lymph node level II-IV is the procedure of choice for patients with clinically N0 neck. Contralateral nodal clearance may also be considered in tumors involving the medial wall of the pyriform recess, post-crioid region or the posterior wall, and those with ipsilateral palpable nodal metastasis and clinical stage IV disease. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has the potential value as the minimally invasive procedure for the management of carcinoma of the hypopharynx.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment strategy for carcinoma of the hypopharynx has been evolving with time. Organ preserving chemoradiotherapy has been the treatment of choice for early stage disease, with surgical resection and reconstruction reserved for advanced and recurrent tumors.

Functional organ preservation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

The principles of open versus laser microsurgical approaches for partial resections of the larynx are described, oncologic as well as functional results discussed and corresponding outcomes following primary radiotherapy are opposed. Over the last decade, the endoscopic partial resection of the larynx has developed to an accepted approach in the treatment of early glottic and supraglottic carcinomas thus leading to a remarkable decline in the use of open surgery. Comparing the various surgical approaches of laryngeal partial resections, the oncological outcome of the patients, as far as survival and organ preservation are concerned, are comparable, whereas functional results of the endoscopic procedures are superior with less morbidity. The surgical procedures put together, are all superior to radiotherapy concerning organ preservation. Transoral laser microsurgery has been used successfully for vocal cord carcinomas with impaired mobility or fixation of the vocal cord, supraglottic carcinomas with infiltration of the pre- and/or paraglottic space as well as for selected hypopharyngeal carcinomas. It has been well documented that laser microsurgery achieves good oncological as well as functional results with reasonable morbidity. However, patients with those tumours have been successfully treated by open partial resections of the larynx at medical centres with appropriate expertise. The initially enthusiastic assessment of study results concerning the efficacy of various protocols of chemoradiation with the intent of organ preservation for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas are judged more cautious, today, due to recent reports of rather high rates of late toxicity complications.

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.

Current trends in initial management of hypopharyngeal cancer: the declining use of open surgery

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx represents a distinct clinical entity. Most patients present with significant comorbidities and advanced-stage disease. The overall survival is relatively poor because of high rates of regional and distant metastasis at presentation or early in the course of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the overall management of these patients to achieve the best results and maintain or improve functional results. Traditionally, operable hypopharyngeal cancer has been treated by total (occasionally partial) laryngectomy and partial or circumferential pharyngectomy, followed by reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy in most cases. Efforts to preserve speech and swallowing function in the surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal (and laryngeal) cancer have resulted in a declining use of total laryngopharyngectomy and improved reconstructive efforts, including microvascular free tissue transfer. There are many surgical, as well as nonsurgical, options available for organ and function preservation, which report equally effective tumor control and survival. The selection of appropriate treatment is of crucial importance in the achievement of optimal results for these patients. In this article, several aspects of surgical and nonsurgical approaches in the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer are discussed. Future studies must be carefully designed within clearly defined populations and use uniform terminology and standardized functional assessment and declare appropriate patient or disease endpoints. These studies should focus on improvement of results, without increasing patient morbidity. In this respect, technical improvements in radiotherapy such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, advances in supportive care, and incorporation of newer systemic agents such as targeted therapy, are relevant developments.

Supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy for selected pyriform sinus carcinoma patients--a retrospective chart review

Background

The aim of this study is to assess the functional and oncologic results of supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy and report our experience in the technique, local control and overall survival rates.

Materials and methods

18 selected patients with pyriform sinus cancer treated by supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy in a University Hospital setting. Retrospective chart review was used to assess functional and oncologic results of the procedure.

Results

The actuarial 5 year survival rate in our study was 55.56% and the actuarial neck recurrence rate was 16.67%. All patients were successfully decannulated. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common postoperative complication (22.23%) and was treated mostly conservatively. One patient required a temporary gastrostomy but no patient needed total laryngectomy in the postoperative period.

Conclusion

Supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy in experienced hands is a reliable technique for selected patients with pyriform sinus cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx: single-institution outcome analysis of a large cohort of patients treated with primary non-surgical approaches

INTRODUCTION

Hypopharyngeal cancers have extensive submucosal spread, high risk of nodal involvement and relatively high propensity of distant metastases. Contemporary paradigms for hypopharyngeal cancers aim to maximize loco-regional control while attempting to preserve laryngo-pharyngeal form and function.

AIMS

To retrospectively review outcome of large cohort of patients with hypopharyngeal cancers treated with curative intent radiotherapy with or without systemic chemotherapy in an academic tertiary referral centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with hypopharyngeal cancers treated with primary non-surgical approaches over a 15-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Loco-regional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) were considered as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Electronic search of database identified 501 patients with hypopharyngeal cancers treated with definitive radiotherapy. The median age was 55 years (range 20-87 years) and median radiotherapy dose 70 Gy (range 5.4-72 Gy). With a mean follow-up period of 22 months (median 12 months), the 3-year LRC and DFS was 47.1% and 40.9% respectively. Stage (T-stage, N-stage, overall stage grouping), and age influenced outcome significantly. The 3-year LRC for T1-T2 disease was 49.7% versus 43.1% for T3- T4 stage (p0.056). The 3-year DFS was 49.4% and 36.9% respectively (p0.014). The 3-year LRC and DFS for N0; N1; and N2-3 disease was 57.3% & 54.3%; 40.5% & 35.3%; and 33% & 27% respectively with highly significant p-values.

CONCLUSION

This is an outcome analysis of the largest cohort of patients with hypopharyngeal cancers managed with primary non-surgical approaches. Stage and age remain the most important determinants of outcome.

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

BACKGROUND

Although the lateral pharyngotomy is a well-known surgical procedure, to our knowledge, no published reports have described the results achieved with a lateral pharyngectomy approach in patients with isolated and previously untreated selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus.

METHODS

The medical files and operative charts of 30 patients with an isolated, and previously untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus, treated for cure by lateral partial pharyngectomy and primary closure, as well as postoperative radiotherapy (n = 22), and preoperative chemotherapy (n = 8), were retrospectively studied. Sixteen tumors were classified as T1 and 14 as T2. All patients but one were followed until death.

RESULTS

Three patients (9%) died in the immediate postoperative period (two from medical complications and one from a surgery-related complication). Overall, 29 patients died, resulting in a 77.7%, 40%, 23.3%, and 15% 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival estimate, respectively. Only one patient had a serious postoperative complication develop. All patients were decannulated. No patients required a gastrostomy and/or completion total laryngectomy for functional reasons. Local recurrence occurred in four patients (13%). The 3-and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial local control estimates were 88.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The use of a platin-based induction chemotherapy (p = .05) regimen was the only variable that was significantly statistically related to local recurrence. Overall, a 93.3% laryngeal preservation rate was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Partial pharyngectomy by means of the lateral pharyngotomy combined with postoperative radiation therapy is an efficient and function-sparing approach to control selected invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus.

Laryngeal preservation in head and neck cancer: multidisciplinary approach

Since the first total laryngectomy was undertaken, efforts have been made to avoid removing the entire larynx. For a long time, partial surgery and radiotherapy were the only options that could preserve the larynx. Development of active chemotherapy regimens has prompted an era of intensive clinical research. Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy in patients with objective responses has been shown to allow conservation of the larynx in nearly two-thirds of individuals, without any effect on survival; concurrent chemoradiotherapy also provides high rates of laryngeal preservation, again without affecting survival; and induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy is under investigation. In the meantime, partial open surgery and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser procedures are feasible in selected moderately advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers as an alternative to destructive surgery. Altered fractionation radiotherapy can also be used in management of these tumours, and targeted treatments have opened a new area of clinical research. Findings of basic research and modern imaging should provide useful approaches for selection of patients for various strategies.