[Preservation of laryngeal function in surgery for medial wall pyriform sinus cancer].

Objective: To study the feasibility, surgical technique and results of laryngeal function preservation in surgical treatment for medial wall pyriform sinus cancer.
Methods: From 1992 to 1999, 31 patients with medial wall pyriform sinus cancer including stage I 1, II 4, III 14 and IV 12 lesions were treated. Partial resection of pyriform sinus and partial laryngectomy were performed, then, the remains of epiglottis and uni-pedicled sternohyoid myofascial flap were used to restore the defects of larynx. At last, the remaining hypopharyngeal mucosa was sutured to cover the wound of hypopharynx and for artificial rebuild-up. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy.
Results: The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 62.1% and 43.6% respectively, with 77.4% patients having laryngeal functions (voice, respiration and deglutition) completely restored and 32.6% partially restored (voice and deglutition).
Conclusion: Conservative surgery so introduced is feasible for selected medial wall pyriform sinus cancer patients with the lesion completely resected.