During the period 1972-1982, 84 pharyngoesophageal reconstructions were performed on 82 patients (10 benign lesions and 72 malignant lesions) by the Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York. The overall mortality for the series was 10%, with postoperative complications developing in the majority of patients and swallowing accomplished in 61%. The most successful method of reconstruction was stomach transposition (92%), followed by cervical flap repair (68%). The least successful methods were the use of the tubed deltopectoral and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps, colon interposition, and jejunal autografts (40%-50%). The pertinent literature is reviewed and the reported mortality, morbidity, indications, limitations, and success rates for each method of reconstruction are analyzed and compared with the present series.

Complications from otitis media and mastoiditis continue to occur despite modern antibiotic therapy. We report a case of lateral sinus thrombosis and extension to the subclavian vein following a chronic otitis media. This is the first such report of this complication. The presentation and management of lateral sinus thrombosis are also discussed.

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Acute complications from chemoradiation for head and neck cancers are relatively common. These can be minor or severe and can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. The incidence of late-onset (>5 years after cancer cure) complications is unknown, but the effect on quality of life is just as severe as with acute problems. What makes matters worse is that many of these patients lived years without dysphagia or other issues and were able to resume a normal lifestyle before developing complications. We present 4 cases involving patients with late-onset complications and discuss the need to remain vigilant in follow-up and caring for patients with head and neck cancer.

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