Análisis de factores predictivos en la aparición de fístulas faringocutáneas poslaringectomía total / Analysis or predictive factors associated with pharingocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la fístula faringocutánea es la complicación más común luego de una laringectomía total. Los factores implicados en su aparición son estudiados por numerosos autores sin obtener resultados concluyentes. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de aparición de fístula faringocutánea y describir los factores de riesgo implicados en la aparición de fístulas faringocutáneas en la población estudiada. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, con análisis estadístico de variables. Se consideraron 55 pacientes a quienes se les realizó una laringectomía total inicialmente o como rescate, desde enero de 2000 hasta diciembre de 2019, con una proporción hombre/mujer de 48/7. La edad media fue de 61,3 años. El 96,36% con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de carcinoma epidermoide. Análisis estadístico (prueba de chi cuadrado-prueba de Mann-Whitney) de variables relacionadas con la aparición de fístula faringocutánea. Resultados: la incidencia de fístulas alcanzó el 20% de los pacientes laringectomizados. Cerraron espontáneamente el 72,73% de las fístulas y requirieron el uso de colgajos, 3 (27,27%) pacientes. De los pacientes fistulizados, el 63,64% tenían radioterapia previa. El uso de sonda nasogástrica para alimentación se prolongó en dichos pacientes por más de 15 días. El tiempo de internación promedio de los pacientes fistulizados fue de 23 días. Conclusión: en nuestro medio, el factor más asociado a la aparición de fístulas tras laringectomía fue el uso de radioterapia previa. La fístula en estos pacientes tardó más tiempo en cerrarse y requirió en algunos casos reconstrucciones más complejas.

ABSTRACT Background: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication after total laryngectomy. The factors associated with its development have been studied by several authors without conclusive results. Objective: To evaluate the causes for the development of PCF and to describe the risk factors associated with PCF in the population studied. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective and observational study with statistical analysis of the variables. A total of 55 patients undergoing initial or salvage total laryngectomy from January 2000 to December 2019 were included. Male-to-female ratio was 48/7. Mean age was 61.3 years. The pathological diagnosis was epidermoid carcinoma in 96.36% of the cases. Statistical analysis: (chi square test and Mann-Whitney test) of the variables related with the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula. Results: The incidence of fistula in patients with laryngectomy was 20%. Spontaneous closure occurred in 72.73% and 3 patients (27.27%) required the use of flaps. In patients with fistula, 63.64% had previous radiotherapy. In these patients, the use of nasogastric tube feeding lasted > 15 days. Mean length of hospital stay in patients with fistula with 23 days. Conclusion: In our environment, previous radiotherapy was the most significant factor associated with the development of fistula. In these patients, fistula took longer to close and required more complex reconstructions in some cases.

Comparación de sutura mecánica con sutura manual de la faringe en laringectomía total / Comparison of mechanical suture with manual suture of the pharynx in total laryngectomy

Introducción: La sutura mecánica es una opción para el cierre de la faringorrafia en laringectomía total por cáncer de laringe. Objetivo: Comparar el uso de sutura mecánica lineal con sutura manual de la faringe durante la laringectomía total por cáncer de laringe. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de tipo experimental prospectivo. Se compararon dos grupos pacientes: Los pacientes con sutura mecánica desde 2018 a marzo de 2020 y los pacientes con sutura manual previa a enero de 2018 en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco. Se analizaron fístula faringo-cutánea posoperatoria (FFC), tiempo operatorio, estadía hospitalaria y costo. Resultados: El estudio incluyó a 14 pacientes, cada grupo con n = 7. El grupo con sutura mecánica presento 0% de FFC y el grupo sutura manual 28%. El grupo con sutura mecánica reinicio alimentación a los 7 días y el grupo con sutura manual en promedio a los 11,5 (7-23) días. (p = 0,0023). El tiempo promedio de cirugía para el grupo experimental es de 288 ± 37,4 minutos y con sutura manual 311 ± 32,4 minutos. (p = 0,0176). El promedio de hospitalización para el grupo experimental fue de 11 ± 2,6 días (9 a 16), y para el grupo control fue de 21 ± 14 días (10 a 49) (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: La sutura mecánica es un procedimiento fácil de usar y seguro. Existiría un beneficio en el uso de sutura mecánica para el cierre faríngeo al compararlo con la sutura manual al disminuir el número de FFC, el tiempo operatorio y los días de hospitalización.

Introduction: Mechanical suture is an option for the closure of the pharyngorrhaphy in total laryngectomy due to laryngeal cancer. Aim: To compare the use of linear mechanical suture with manual pharyngeal suture during total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Material and Method: A prospective experimental study was carried out. Two patient groups were compared: patients with mechanical suture from 2018 to March 2020 and patients with manual suture prior to January 2018 at the otorhinolaryngology service of the Barros Luco Hospital. Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula (FFC), operative time, hospital stay and cost were analyzed. Results: The study included 14 patients, each group with n = 7. The group with mechanical suture presented 0% of FFC and the group with manual suture 28%. The group with mechanical suture restarted feeding at 7 days and the group with manual suture on average at 11.5 (7-23) days (p = 0.0023). The average surgery time for the experimental group was 288 ± 37.4 minutes, while for the group with manual suture was 311 ± 32.4 minutes (p = 0.0176). The mean hospitalization for the experimental group was 11 ± 2.6 days (9 to 16), and for the control group it was 21 ± 14 days (10 to 49) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The mechanical suture is an easy to use and safe procedure. There would be a benefit in the use of mechanical suture for pharyngeal closure when buying it with manual suture by reducing the number of FFCs, operative time and days of hospitalization.

Salvage total laryngectomy: is a flap necessary? / Laringectomia total de resgate: o uso de retalho é necessário?

Abstract Introduction: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most significant complication after salvage total laryngectomy in patients who have received previous treatment with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Objective: Our purpose is to review the fistula rate in radiated patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy, to determine if the use of pectoralis major flap interposition reduces the incidence and duration of fistula and to examine other risk factors. Methods: We made a retrospective review of patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy for exclusively larynx cancer after failure of primary curative radiotherapy between 2000 and 2017. General data from patients, risk factors and other complications were analyzed. Results: We identified 27 patients whose mean age was 66.4 years, mainly male (92.5%). The primary closure group without pectoralis major flap included 14 patients, and the group with pectoralis major flap closure included 13 patients. Pharyngocutaneous fistula was present in 15 patients (55.5%). Global pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was higher in the group of patients without pectoralis major flap comparing with those were the flap was interposed (78.6% versus 30.8%, p = 0.047). Also the pharyngocutaneous fistulas which need to be repaired with surgery (64.3% versus 7.7%, p = 0.03) and large pharyngostomes (64.3% versus 0%, p = 0.0004) were present in a higher rate in the group closed primary without pectoralis major flap. We did not find other risk factors with statistical significance. Oral diet initiation (84 days versus 21.5 days, p = 0.039) and the duration of hospitalization (98.3 days versus 27.2 days, p = 0.0041) were much lower in patients with a preventive pectoralis major flap. Two patients died as a consequence of complications of large pharyngostomes. Conclusions: Prophylactic pectoralis major flap reduced the incidence, severity and duration of fistula and should be considered during salvage total laryngectomy.

Resumo Introdução: A fístula faringocutânea é a complicação mais significativa após laringectomia total de resgate em pacientes que receberam tratamento prévio com radioterapia com ou sem quimioterapia. Objetivo: Revisar a taxa de fístula em pacientes irradiados submetidos a laringectomia total de resgate, para determinar se o uso de interposição de retalho do peitoral maior reduz a incidência e a duração da fístula e examinar outros fatores de risco. Método: Fizemos uma revisão retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total de resgate para câncer exclusivamente laríngeo após falha da radioterapia curativa primária entre 2000 e 2017. Dados gerais dos pacientes, fatores de risco e outras complicações foram analisados. Resultados: Foram identificados 27 pacientes com média de 66,4 anos, principalmente do sexo masculino (92,5%). O grupo de fechamento primário sem retalho de peitoral maior incluiu 14 pacientes e o grupo de fechamento com retalho de peitoral maior incluiu 13 pacientes. Fístula faringocutânea esteve presente em 15 pacientes (55,5%). A taxa global de fístula faringocutânea foi maior no grupo de pacientes sem retalho de peitoral maior em comparação com aqueles que receberam o retalho (78,6% vs. 30,8%, p = 0,047). Além disso, as fístulas faringocutâneas que precisaram ser reparadas através de cirurgia (64,3% vs. 7,7%, p = 0,03) e grandes faringostomias (64,3% vs. 0%, p = 0,0004) apresentaram uma taxa mais alta no grupo fechado primariamente sem retalho do peitoral maior. Não encontramos outros fatores de risco com significância estatística. O início da dieta oral (84 dias vs. 21,5 dias, p = 0,039) e a duração da internação (98,3 dias vs. 27,2 dias, p = 0,0041) foram muito menores nos pacientes com uso preventivo do retalho do peitoral maior. Dois pacientes morreram em consequência de complicações de grandes faringostomias. Conclusões: O uso profilático do retalho do peitoral maior reduziu a incidência, a gravidade e a duração da fístula e deve ser considerado durante a laringectomia total de resgate.

Total Laryngectomy with Horizontal Mechanical Closure of the Pharyngoesophagectomy: Evaluation of the Effectiveness in Elderly Patients

Abstract Introduction The main modalities of surgical treatment for laryngeal cancer include transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), open preservation surgery, and total laryngectomy (TL). In the elderly, for the presence of comorbidities, the surgical approach more appropriate in many cases remains TL. The use of a stapler for the closure of the esophagus has been introduced to reduce surgical time and postoperative complications such as pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Objective In the present study, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the use of the horizontal mechanical pharyngoesophageal closure in patients who underwent TL. Methods This nonrandomized study was performed on consecutive patients with histopathologically proven squamous cell endolaryngeal carcinoma. The TLwas performed using a linear stapler to mechanically suture the pharyngotomy using the semiclosed technique. Results A total of 33 patients underwent TL, and 13 of themunderwent neck dissection. A total of 15 patients (45.4%) were ≤70 years old, and 18 were > 70 years old. Analyzing the results in relation to age, patients > 70 years old showed tumors at an earlier stage than those aged ≤70 years old. Furthermore, in this group there was a greater number of patients who had comorbidities (p = 0.014). In total, we had 2 (6%) cases of PCF in 6.6% in the group ≤70 years old, and in 5.5% of the group > 70 years old (p = 1.00). Conclusions The use of the stapler for the horizontal closure of the pharyngoesophagectomy in the patients subjected to TL is proven to be useful and safe even when used in elderly patients.

Repair of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas using a pectoralis major flap / Reparo de fístulas faringocutâneas pós-laringectomia utilizando retalho do músculo peitoral maior

Abstract Introduction: The pectoralis major flap is a reconstructive option to consider in the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. There are not large studies assessing variables related to pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence after removal of the larynx. Our objectives were to review the results obtained with this type of treatment when pharyngocutaneous fistula appears in laryngectomized patients, and to evaluate variables related to the results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our results using either a myocutaneous or fasciomuscular pectoralis major flap to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula in 50 patients. Results: There were no cases of flap necrosis. Oral intake after fistula repair with a pectoralis major flap was restored in 94% of cases. Fistula recurrence occurred in 22 cases (44%), and it was associated with a lengthening of the hospital stay. Performing the flap as an emergency procedure was associated with a significantly higher risk of fistula recurrence. Hospital stay was significantly shorter when a salivary tube was placed. Conclusions: The pectoralis major flap is a useful approach to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula. Placing salivary tubes during fistula repair significantly reduces hospital stay and complication severity in case of pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence.

Resumo Introdução: O retalho do músculo peitoral maior é uma opção a ser considerada no fechamento de fístula faringocutânea pós-laringectomia total. Não há grandes estudos que avaliem as variáveis relacionadas à recorrência da fístula faringocutânea após esse procedimento. Nossos objetivos foram avaliar os resultados obtidos com esse tipo de tratamento em pacientes laringectomizados com fístula faringocutânea e as variáveis relacionadas aos resultados. Método: Revisamos retrospectivamente os nossos resultados em 50 pacientes nos quais um retalho miocutâneo ou fasciomuscular do músculo peitoral maior foram utilizados para reparar a fístula faringocutânea. Resultados: Não houve casos de necrose de retalho. Após o reparo da fístula com um retalho do músculo peitoral maior, a ingestão oral foi restaurada em 94% dos casos. Houve recorrência da fístula em 22 casos (44%), a qual foi associada à duração da hospitalização. O uso do retalho como procedimento de emergência foi associado a um risco significativamente maior de recorrência da fístula. A permanência hospitalar foi significativamente menor quando utilizado um tubo de derivação salivar. Conclusões: O uso do retalho do músculo peitoral maior é uma abordagem útil para reparar a fístula faringocutânea. A colocação de tubos de derivação salivar durante o reparo da fístula reduz significativamente o tempo de hospitalização e a gravidade das complicações em caso de recorrência da fístula faringocutânea.

Parathyroid Adenoma Causing Spontaneous Cervical Hematoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature / 대한두경부종양학회지

Parathyroid adenoma can cause extracapsular bleeding. In 1934, Capps first reported a case of massive hemorrhage secondary to rupture of a parathyroid adenoma. Recently, we experienced a 73-year-old female presented with pharyngeal discomfort and extensive ecchymosis over the neck without history of trauma. Endoscopic investigation revealed submucosal hemorrhage in the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. CT scan and ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of a mass below the left thyroid lobe. Serum calcium level was normal and PTH level was elevated. We underwent left thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy 2 weeks later from first visit. During the operation, hypopharyngeal mucosa was teared and it was treated with pharyngostoma formation and L-tube feeding. We report a rare case of normocalcemic parathyroid adenoma with spontaneous hemorrhage and propose the proper management period with a literature review

Factores de riesgo en la aparición de fístula faringocutánea / Risk factors in the apparition of pharyngocutaneous fistula

RESUMEN Introducción: la fístula faringocutánea es la complicación postoperatoria más frecuente de la laringectomía total. Incrementa la morbimortalidad, demora la administración del tratamiento oncológico y repercute en la esfera psicológica del paciente. Objetivo: conocer el comportamiento de la fístula faringocutánea en pacientes con laringectomía total. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrosprospectivo en el Hospital Universitario "Comandante Faustino Pérez", en el período comprendido entre enero 2010 a diciembre 2015. El universo lo constituyó 143 pacientes laringectomizados. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, estado nutricional previo a la cirugía, estadio del tumor, radiaciones, traqueostomía; manejo del cuello, previo a la cirugía, y evolución de la fístula. Resultados: presentó fístula postoperatoria el 28 %, predominando el sexo masculino, en un 92.3 %; y los normopesos en un 56,6 %. Se encontraban en estadio IV, el 70 %. Fueron irradiados 72,5 % y se les practicó traqueostomía, previa a la cirugía, al 95 % de los pacientes. Vaciamiento cervical se realizó al 37,5 %. En el 70 % de los pacientes, la fístula apareció entre los 8 y 14 días. Conclusiones: la incidencia de la fístula faringocutánea es mayor en el sexo masculino entre los 60-69 años. La mayor incidencia ocurrió en el año 2015. El estadio avanzado del tumor, la presencia de traqueostomía, el estado nutricional e irradiación previa, fueron los factores que más incidieron en la aparición de fístula faringocutánea. En la mayoría de los pacientes el cierre fue espontáneo con buena su evolución (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most frequent post-surgery complication of the total laryngectomy. It increases morbimortality, delays the administration of the oncological treatment and rebounds in the patient's psychological sphere. Objective: to know the behavior of the pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients with total laryngectomy. Materials and methods: a retrospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in the University Hospital "Comandante Faustino Pérez", in the period from January 2010 until December 2015. The universe were 143 patients who undergone a laryngectomy. The studied variables were age, sex, nutritional status before the surgery, tumor stage, radiations, tracheotomy, neck management before surgery, and fistula evolution. Results: 28 % of the patients presented post-surgery fistula, predominantly among males (92.3 %). Normal weight patients were 56.6 %; 70 % were in the IV stage. 72.5 % of the patients were irradiated and 95 % undergone tracheotomy before the surgery. 37.5 % of them undergone cervical resection. In 70 % of the patients, the fistula appeared after 8-14 days. Conclusions: the incidence of the pharyngocutaneous fistula is higher in the male sex and the 60-69 years age-group. The highest incidence occurred in 2015. The advanced stage of the tumor, the presence of tracheotomy, the nutritional status and previous irradiation were the factors that had more incidences on pharyngocutaneous fistulae. The closure of the fistula was spontaneous in most of the patients, with a good evolution (AU).

Primary research of early oral feeding after total laryngectomy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To explore whether early oral feeding after total laryngectomy is safe and effective by evaluating the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) and the hospital duration. @*Methods@#A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 52 patients underwent total laryngectomy, plus partial tongue base resection (n=2), partial pharyngectomy (n=1), or pedicle flap (n=2) between January 2012 and October 2017. Patients who had a history of preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, previous surgery for larynx or pharynx and who had severe complications were excluded. Early oral feeding started between 48 h and 72 h postoperatively, while delayed oral feeding started within postoperative day 8-10. The incidences of PCF in two groups were compared to evaluate whether PCF and early oral feeding was related. Multi-variables analysis was conducted to evaluate risk factors for PCF. @*Results@#PCF rate was 19.2% among all patients, 11.1% in patients with early oral feeding and 23.5% in patients with delayed oral feeding. No significant statistically difference in PCF rate was found between two groups (χ2=0.506, P=0.477). Multi-variables analysis showed that oral feeding time (early or delayed) was not a independent risk factor of PCF (Two classification response variable Logistic regression, P=0.200, OR=0.242, 95%CI[0.028-2.118]). But low preoperative albumin level was observed as an independent risk factor for PCF (P=0.039, OR=0.848, 95% CI [0.726-0.992]). A negative correlation was observed between preoperative albumin level and PCF. And also there was not a significant difference in hospital duration between patients with early oral feeding and delayed oral feeding(U=268, P=0.464). @*Conclusion@#For patients total laryngectomy with no previous history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, early oral feeding after surgery is safe and effective.

Utilización del colgajo muscular en collar del esternocleidomastoideo en el tratamiento quirúrgico del faringostoma. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Use of the sternocleidomastoid muscle collar flap in the surgical treatment of the pharyngostoma. Case report and literature review

La fístula faringocutánea se define como una dehiscencia del cierre de la mucosa faríngea, que produce fuga de saliva y comunicación de la luz faríngea con la piel. Puede clasificarse en fístula propiamente dicha, en el que un trayecto fistuloso comunica luz del tubo digestivo con el exterior y en faringostoma en el que la luz de la faringe se abre directamente al exterior con pérdida importante de tejidos blandos. Es una complicación frecuente tras cirugías abiertas de laringe, pudiendo también aparecer tras cirugías de faringe, de columna espinal, reconstrucciones mandibulares así como en cirugías del piso de boca. Si bien pueden cerrar espontáneamente o con tratamiento conservador, muchas de ellas, sobre todo cuando existe una comunicación amplia entre la faringe y la piel, requieren de cirugía. Existen varias técnicas quirúrgicas para cerrar dichas fístulas. Se presenta un caso en el que se realizó la excéresis de un tumor de base de lengua sangrante, incontrolable, con una faringotomía suprahioidea como vía de abordaje, que presentó como complicación postoperatoria una fístula faringocutánea seguida de la formación de un faringostoma amplio. Fue tratado quirúrgicamente con una síntesis del defecto y refuerzo con colgajo muscular en collar con el fascículo esternal bilateral de esternocleidomastoideo. El paciente presentó buena evolución con cierre de la fístula.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is defined as a dehiscence of the closing of the pharyngeal mucosa, which produces leakage of saliva and communication of pharyngeal light with the skin. It can be classified as a fistula proper, in which a fistulous tract communicates light from the digestive tract with the outside and in a pharyngostoma in which the pharyngeal lumen opens directly to the outside with significant loss of soft tissues. It is a frequent complication after open surgeries of the larynx, and may also appear after surgery of the pharynx, spinal column, mandibular reconstructions as well as surgeries of the floor of the mouth. Although they can close spontaneously or with conservative treatment, many of them, especially when there is a wide communication between the pharynx and the skin, require surgery. There are several surgical techniques to close these fistulas. We present a case in which the excresis of a tongue-based tumor was performed, due to uncontrollable bleeding, with a suprahyoid pharyngotomy as the approach, presenting as a postoperative complication a pharyngocutaneous fistula followed by the formation of a broad pharyngostoma. He was treated surgically with a synthesis of the defect and reinforcement with a muscular flap in a collar with the bilateral sternocleidomastoid sternal fascicle. The patient presented good evolution with closure of the fistula.

Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Closure

OBJECTIVES: In laryngeal cancer, which comprises 25% of head and neck cancer, chemotherapy has come into prominence with the increase in organ-protective treatments. With such treatment, salvage surgery has increased following recurrence; the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula has also increased in both respiratory and digestive system surgery. We investigated the effects of recombinant human growth hormone on pharyngocutaneous fistula closure in Sprague-Dawley rats, based on an increase in amino acid uptake and protein synthesis for wound healing, an increase in mitogenesis, and enhancement of collagen formation by recombinant human growth hormone. METHODS: This study was experimental animal study. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into two groups, and pharyngoesophagotomy was performed. The pharyngoesophagotomy was sutured with vicryl in both groups. Rats in group 1 (control group) received no treatment, while those in group 2 were administered a subcutaneous injection of recombinant human growth hormone daily. On day 14, the pharynx, larynx, and upper oesophagus were excised and examined microscopically. RESULTS: Pharyngocutaneous fistula exhibited better closure macroscopically in the recombinant human growth hormone group. There was a significant difference in collagen formation and epithelisation in the recombinant human growth hormone group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study is believed to be the first in which the effect of recombinant human growth hormone on pharyngocutaneous fistula closure was evaluated, and the findings suggest the potential of use of growth hormone for treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Fatores preditivos para desenvolvimento da fístula faringocutânea: revisão sistemática / Predictive factors for the postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula development: systematic review

Objetivo: Fístula faringocutânea é uma das maiores complicações pós-operatórias de laringectomia total e faringolaringectomia, podendo causar graves efeitos adversos ao paciente e à sociedade. Nosso objetivo é identificar todos os fatores preditivos e as classificações do risco descrito para a formação da fístula. Método: Pesquisa racional foi realizada para identificação de todos os estudos sobre fatores preditivos e classificações/probabilidade de risco ao desenvolvimento da fistula faringocutânea, publicados até abril de 2012 (n = 846). Os estudos incluídos foram analisados e os dados, a identificação, a qualidade metodológica e os resultados foram registrados. Resultados: Um total de 39 estudos foi incluído. As variáveis relacionadas foram deficiência nutricional, ASA, alto consumo de álcool, anemia e hipoalbuminemia, comorbilidades, N avançado, localização/extensão do tumor primário, tratamentos pré- cirúrgicos radioterapia/ quimioradioterapia, traqueostomia de emergência, status das margens cirúrgicas, duração da cirurgia, experiência do cirurgião, complicações locais da ferida cirúrgica, transfusão de sangue intraoperatória e relação entre sonda nasogástrica e alimentação oral. Conclusão: Nos estudos, muitos fatores de risco são associados ao desenvolvimento da fístula faringocutânea. Entretanto, ainda não existe um consenso sobre a seleção dos fatores mais influentes. Foram encontrados somente dois sistemas de classificações de riscos, e nenhum deles foi preditivo do desenvolvimento da fístula faringocutânea. .

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is considered one of the major complications in the postoperative period after total laryngectomy/pharyngolaryngectomy, leading to a severe adverse impact for the patient and society. This study aimed to identify all the described pharyngocutaneous fistula predictive factors and risk classifications. Methods: Research was conducted to identify all the studies assessing predictive factors and risk classification for pharyngocutaneous fistula development published until April of 2012 (n = 846). The included studies were analyzed and data regarding their identification, methodological quality and results were recorded. Results: A total of 39 studies were included. The variables consistently reported as associated with fistula development were nutritional deficiency, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, high consumption of alcohol, anemia and hypoalbuminemia, co-morbidities, advanced N stage, location and extent of primary tumor, pre-radiotherapy and pre-chemoradiotherapy treatment, emergency tracheotomy, surgical margin status, surgery's duration, surgeon's experience, local complications of the wound, performance of intraoperative blood transfusion and relationship between nasogastric tube and oral feeding. Conclusion: Several risk factors were associated with pharyngocutaneous fistula formation in the included studies. However, there is still no consensus in the most pertinent selection. Only two classification systems were retrieved and they were not able to accurately predict pharyngocutaneous fistula. .

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Treatment of Oral Cavity and Pharyngolaryngeal Cancer

PURPOSE: The rate of fistulas occuring followed by resection of oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer are reported to be 9-23% according to various documents. Neglected treatment of the fistula can result in a setback in proper treatment with restrictions in oral intake leading to delayed return to daily life. Furthurmore, in severe cases, it may injure important vessels and adjacent structures of the neck area. The author reviewed previously reported cases of treatment methods for fistulas recurring after diverse head and neck operations and with sharing the treatment experiments of our patients, we tried to present a treatment algorism for different fistula types. METHODS: Our study was based on retrograde analysis of 64 patients who were clinically diagnosed with fistula after operation for cancer of the head and neck from 1997 to 2008 at Severance Hospital. Their primary sites of cancer were 8 oral cavity, 22 oropharynx, 25 hypopharynx, and 9 larynx. The patients were aged 45 to 75 years and the male to female ratio was 11 to 1. The patient's operation records and progress notes were evaluated for determination of degree of fistula and treatment methods. RESULTS: Most fistulas were clinically suspected after 5 days postoperatively and symptoms noted for detection of the fistula were erythema, purulent discharge, edema, tenderness, and fluctuation. The fistula was definitely diagnosed in 2 weeks postoperatively with barium test and treatment method ranging from conservative management to operative procedure were applied to each patients. Total 21 patients were managed with conservative protocol. In 15 cases, direct repair of the fistula was done and more stable repair of the fistula was possible with using of TachoComb(R). Pharyngostoma was performed in 14 patients. Among them, 4 patients healed spontaneously, 5 patients were taken direct closure, 4 patients were taken pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, and one patient was taken esophageal transfer. The other 14 patients were taken 11 pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps and 3 free flaps without pharyngostoma formation. CONCLUSION: Fistula is a troublesome complication resulting after resection of head and neck cancer. Early detection and adequate treatment according to the period and condition of the fistula may prevent further complications and reduce the pain of the patient.

Clinical Analysis of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula after Total Laryngectomy / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy is one of the most common complication in the immediate postoperative period. The objective of this study is to evaluate the variable predisposing factors after total laryngectomy and to investigate the management of pharyngocutaneous fistula. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred fifty cases who had been performed total laryngectomy were investigated retrospectively. Fifteen of 150 cases (10.0%) developed pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy. We analyzed clinical parameters such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol intake, DM (diabetes mellitus), hypertension, liver disease, postoperative hemoglobin, albumin etc. RESULTS: Smoking, DM, hypertension, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative albumin were significant factors associated with pharyngocutaneous fistula. Nine patients were managed with conservative treatment and six patients underwent surgical reconstruction by using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The average duration of oral feeding was 30 postoperative days in conservative treatment group and 83 postoperative days in surgical intervention group. CONCLUSION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula may be preventable by correcting the predisposing factors. We must consider the initial size of fistula and the response of conservative treatment to determine methodology and timing of surgical management.

Clinical Analysis of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common serious complication following laryngectomy and pharyngectomy. However, the etiology or predisposing factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula are still unclear. The authors investigated variable predisposing factors related to pharyngocutaneous fistula by reviewing medical records. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Two hundred ninety six of 340 cases who had been performed laryngeal and hypopharyngeal surgery were investigated. Forty nine of 296 cases (15.6%) developed pharyngocutaneous fistula. We analyzed clinical parameters such as age, gender, primary site, radiotherapy, interval between radiotherapy and surgery, neck dissection, DM (diabetes mellitus), preoperative albumin, hemoglobin etc. RESULTS: Reconstruction on surgery and peroperative albumin concentration were statistically significant factors associated with pharyngocutaneous fistula (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula may be preventable by correcting the predisposing factors.

Reconstruction of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula with Radial Forearm Free Flap: A Case Report

Pharyngocutaneous fistula formation is a serious complication after total laryngectomy and its incidence varies from 7.6% to 50%. It leads to a prolonged hospitalization and complicated rehabilitation. Although many reconstruction methods have been introduced, each has its own merit and demerit and there is no single perfect answer. In our study, the fistula was reconstructed with inner lining using hinge method and radial forearm free flap. The operation was performed in 5 patients who underwent pharyngocuatneous fistula after total laryngectormy. We obtained a satisfactory reconstruction of the fistula and natural neck contouring using this method in all cases. Only 1 patient had complication of wound infection. However, the patient was healed with conservative antibiotics therapy. We believe the radial forearm free flap with hinge flap is the optimal method for circumferential reconstruction of pharyngocutaneous fistula. In comparison with other reconstructive techniques, the radial forearm free flap offers the best combination of flap reliability and low donor site morbidity. This method also allows patients to shorten the hospitalization and meet their cosmetic needs.