Application of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix in reconstruction of oncological hypopharyngeal defects

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) can be used as a new membrane substitute for repairing mucosal defects. The objective of this study is to explore the effectiveness of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix (xeno-ADM) in hypopharynx reconstruction. A total of 40 patients were treated with this surgical method to reconstruct hypopharynx in our department between February 2011 and October 2012. Patients were diagnosed had hypopharyngeal cancer located at lateral and/or postpharyngeal wall. The mucosal defect size after hypopharyngeal resection was 3 × 4 cm–6 × 7 cm, and was repaired by xeno-ADM. Patients were followed up for 11–36 months. 4 patients got infected, and two developed into pharyngeal fistula. Patients regained eating function 2–5 weeks after surgery. No membrane was removed; no severe stenosis of hypopharynx was observed. All patients were successfully decannulated. The overall 3-year survival rate is 67.5 %; the 3-year disease-free rate is 47.5 %. Reconstruction of hypopharynx by xeno-ADM is proved to be a simple, safe and effective method with fewer complications.