Larynx-Preserving Curative Surgery for Hypopharyngeal Cancer Invading the Cervical Esophagus Using Both ELPS and Open Surgery : A Series of Five Cases

During curative surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer that invades the cervical esophagus, preserving the larynx is challenging despite the fact that it does not infiltrate the larynx itself. A surgical technique was utilized in 5 cases to prevent a lack of vocalization. The ELPS method was used to determine and cut off the excision line on the oral side, followed by open surgery. The larynx and its function were preserved, allowing all patients to maintain their voice and continue food intake without the need for tube feeding. A pathological analysis showed that the hypopharyngeal tumors were fully removed and there was no evidence of local recurrence.