Salvage transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for post‐irradiation recurrence of hypopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Transoral salvage surgery has the potential to preserve a patient's quality of life. Therefore, we investigated the outcomes, safety, and risk factors for postoperative complications of salvage transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for recurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who had a history of RT or CRT and underwent TOVS from January 2008 to June 2021. The factors related to postoperative complications, postoperative swallowing functions and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven patients (36.8%) of the 19 patients developed complications. Severe dysphagia was the primary complication, and post‐cricoid resection was a complication risk factor. The FOSS score was significantly lower in the salvage treatment group. The survival rates were: 3‐year overall survival: 94.4%; disease‐specific survival: 94.4%; 5‐year overall survival: 62.3%; and disease‐specific survival: 86.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage TOVS for hypopharyngeal cancer was feasible, and oncologically and functionally reasonable. Level of Evidence: 2b.