Introduction
Hypopharyngeal cancer is a highly malignant tumour of the head and neck
that accounts for approximately 3%–5% of all head and neck
malignancies [1]. The pyriform sinus is the most frequently affected
site and represents 70% of hypopharyngeal carcinoma [2]. Given the
close location of the pyriform sinus to the larynx, piriform sinus
cancer easily invades the larynx, resulting in the destruction of
laryngeal structure and function. Considering that accurate tumour
resection is needed to achieve local control and improve survival rate,
how to preserve laryngeal function as much as possible to improve the
quality of life of patients after surgery is a difficult problem.
Previously, we explored and summarised a new surgical approach, namely,
the paraglottic space approach, through clinical practice to remove
pyriform sinus carcinoma. This approach achieved good results in
clinical practice. In this paper, we retrospectively analysed the
clinical data of patients admitted to our department from 2014 to 2017
who underwent pyriform sinus carcinoma resection via the paraglottic
space approach. The purpose of this study was to summarise and explore
the surgical indications, therapeutic effects, surgical advantages and
influencing factors of this approach for pyriform sinus carcinoma
resection.