Tumors in the throat area (oropharynx, laryngopharynx) must often be eliminated via external surgery. Anterior and lateral pharyngotomy is a classic surgical approach to the removal of tumors of the larynx and pharynx, which has become more and more important in recent years.In an increasingly aging patient population, transoral tumor imaging as required by laser- and many robot-assisted procedures is obstructed by full dentition and lack of mobility of the cervical spine. However, since safe resection of the tumor in healthy tissue contributes significantly to patient survival, alternative access routes are imperative.

Pharyngotomies allow organ-preserving surgery with excellent tumor imaging and thus secure removal. Unlike transoral accesses, it is furthermore possible to reconstruct parts of the larynx and pharynx in order to maintain throat and respiratory tract function and contribute to the rapid recovery of the patient.

Professor Dr. Andreas Knopf, medical director of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ENT)

Treatment of cancer patients in our medical center takes place interdisciplinarily according to the latest standards and current guidelines. Our department is part of the certified Head and Neck Tumor Center of the CCCF (Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg) and thus designated as a top oncological center.

• Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ENT)