Clinical Analysis of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

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.