Preservation of Internal Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve during Surgery for Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the significance of intraoperative preservation of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (ibSLN) during surgery for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Methods: Twelve patients with HSCC underwent surgery between January 2017...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ear, nose, & throat journal nose, & throat journal, 2022-03, Vol.101 (3), p.175-180
Main Authors: Sun, Wei, Wen, Wei-Ping, Zhu, Xiao-Lin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Head & neck cancer
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Humans
Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms - pathology
Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms - surgery
Hypopharynx - pathology
Laryngeal Nerves - pathology
Larynx
Larynx - pathology
Maxillofacial surgery
Nervous system
Otolaryngology
Squamous cell carcinoma
Surgery
Throat cancer
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Summary:Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the significance of intraoperative preservation of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (ibSLN) during surgery for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Methods: Twelve patients with HSCC underwent surgery between January 2017 and December 2018. Sensation in the hypopharyngeal mucosa was tested using a flexible laryngeal endoscope on postoperative day 5. Results: Surgeries were successfully performed in 10 patients with HSCC arising from the internal wall of the pyriform fossa and in 2 patients with HSCC arising from the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. The main trunk of the ibSLN was preserved in all patients. Testing of sensation in the hypopharyngeal mucosa revealed the presence of the cough reflex in all patients. All patients achieved a full normal oral diet at a median of 8.5 days (range, 6-11 days) and removal of the tracheal tube at a median of 10 days (range, 7-12 days). Conclusions: Our results showed that preservation of the ibSLN during surgery for HSCC is feasible and important in the recovery of sensation in the hypopharyngeal mucosa.
ISSN:0145-5613
1942-7522
DOI:10.1177/0145561320949474