Stenosis of the hypopharynx is an infrequent but devastating complication in the management of patients following ingestion of caustic solutions. Adequate methods of reconstruction are available for treatment of massive stenoses of the laryngopharynx and esophagus. Minimal involvement is commonly treated by endoscopic techniques.
The patient with partial obliteration of the hypopharynx presents a perplexing problem in management. Resection of the stenotic area is best accomplished by combining lateral transthyroid pharyngotomy with reconstruction employing local flaps and a Z-plasty technique.