ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Hypopharyngeal Cancer · Treatment

How is the throat reconstructed after hypopharyngeal cancer surgery?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Hypopharyngeal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

When the hypopharynx and larynx are removed, the food passage must be rebuilt. Common options are a free jejunal transfer (a segment of small bowel with its vessels reconnected in the neck), a tubed anterolateral thigh or radial forearm free flap, or a gastric pull-up when the oesophagus is also involved. The choice depends on the defect length, prior surgery and general fitness.

In detail

A permanent tracheostoma is usually created, and speech restoration is planned later with a voice prosthesis. Ask about swallowing studies before oral feeding resumes and about the risk of stricture or fistula.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Treatment” section of the Hypopharyngeal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about hypopharyngeal cancer

See all 13 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ, health professional version) US National Cancer Institute · 2025
  2. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers National Comprehensive Cancer Network · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.