Restoration of pharyngoesophageal continuity with a replaceable prosthetic conduit: a new method.

Treatment of carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract by high dose radiation and wide surgical resection result in large tissue defects. When the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscles are removed, a replaceable prosthetic conduit can be used effectively to reestablish pharyngoesophageal continuity. This prosthesis can be readily fabricated and obviates the need for extensive reconstructive operations in suitable candidates.