Laryngotracheal Anastomosis for Cervical Upper Digestive Tract Reconstruction Following Hypopharyngeal Cancer Resection: A Case Report

We report a case of cervical upper digestive tract reconstruction using a laryngotracheal flap following resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. A 53-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of dysphagia accompanied by a persistent sensation of obstruction. Gastroscopy revealed a cauliflower-like mass involving the right pyriform sinus and postcricoid region, extending to the esophageal inlet. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. Reconstruction of the surgical defect was achieved by anastomosing the hypopharynx to the cervical esophagus using the preserved larynx and the first 3 tracheal rings. This approach allowed circumferential reconstruction of the defect with the laryngeal cavity and a segment of the cervical trachea. At 46 months of follow-up, the patient was able to maintain oral intake without restriction, and no evidence of tumor recurrence was observed.