Laryngopharyngectomy

The surgical removal of both the pharynx (which is located at the back of the mouth and extends from the end of the nasal passage to the larynx) and the larynx (which contains the vocal cords). This procedure is commonly performed for cancers of the hypopharynx. Reconstruction of this defect requires restoration of the pharyngoesophagus, which extends from the top of the throat at the level of the base of tongue to the cervical esophagus, before it enters the chest. During this surgery, the trachea is brought to the skin in the front of the neck as an end stoma or “laryngostoma.”