Voice and speech outcomes with radial forearm free flap-accompanied phonation tube after total pharyngolaryngectomy of hypopharyngeal cancer

Abstract

CONCLUSIONS: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF)-accompanied phonation tube (PT) for voice and speech restoration after pharyngolaryngectomy is promising, especially in phonation efficacy and intelligibility. It offers not only another safe surgical option but also a satisfactory result for such patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. OBJECTIVES: We use RFFF with RFFF-accompanied PT for one-stage reconstruction both for tissue defect and voice reconstruction in patients undergoing total pharyngolaryngectomy. METHODS: Eight male patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy. Voice restoration was done with RFFF-accompanied PT. Phonation outcomes and speech outcomes of the patients were evaluated and scored. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13.7 months. All free flaps were successful without perioperative mortality. All the patients were able to produce sound. Phonation efficacy ranged from 70% to >90% postoperatively and 40% to >90% at the last follow-up. The speech intelligibility was graded as moderately good.