Incidencia,estancia hospitalaria y factores de riesgo asociados a la aparición de fístula faringocutánea poslaringectomía

Introduction and objectivesPharyngo-cutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the main problems for patients undergoing total laryngectomy. There are many risk factors described and associated with the appearance of PCF; however, some of these are currently under discussion.The aim of this work is to analyse the incidence of PCF, hospital stay and associated risk factors in patients undergoing total laryngectomy in a secondary hospital.MethodsThis was an observational study in a retrospective cohort. We included all patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 2006 and 2011. We considered sociodemographic and clinical items, and most of the risk factors studied in the literature by other authors (tracheostomy, tumour stage, chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery, etc.). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS^® 15.0 and Epidat^® 3.1.ResultsWe analysed 70 total laryngectomies. The incidence of PCF in the time period studied was 48.6%. There were significant differences between the mean hospital stay of patients with and without PCF. Affected locoregional lymph nodes were found to be the only risk factor for the occurrence of PCF [RR=1.60 (1.006-2.54)].ConclusionThe incidence of PCF is associated with the presence of affected locoregional lymph nodes. It is not associated with tracheostomy, administration of radio/chemotherapy before surgery or tumour location.     

Pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy: a single institution’s 10-year experience

The etiology of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation following major head and neck surgery is multifactorial and the incidence varies greatly. We reviewed retrospectively the records of 108 consecutive patients who underwent a total laryngectomy during the period from December 1992 to December 2002 at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. PCF occurred postoperatively in 19 (18%) patients. Two additional patients (2%) developed a PCF later than 30 days after laryngectomy. Nineteen percent of these patients with fistula formation had received previous radiation therapy and laryngectomy was performed for local recurrence. Eighteen (86%) of the all fistulae closed spontaneously and surgical closure of the fistula was performed in three (14%) cases. We conclude that the PCFs in our patient population occurred both in radiated and nonirradiated patients. Although most fistulae close spontaneously without surgical intervention this complication leads to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity.This paper has been presented at the American Laryngological Association Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, April 30–May 1, 2004.     

The role of pectoralis major myofascial flap in salvage laryngectomy: A single surgeon experience

Abstract Conclusions: These results support the use of a pectoralis major myofascial flap (PMMF) in patients undergoing salvage surgery. Background: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most common major complication following laryngectomy. Preceding chemoradiotherapy increases the incidence and severity of PCF formation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of a PMMF reduces the incidence and severity of PCF formation in patients undergoing salvage surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis. Results: A total of 33 patients were identified, including 10 patients who underwent salvage surgery after chemoradiotherapy. In all, 80% of salvage surgery patients underwent PMMF reinforcement of the pharyngeal closure. A PCF rate of 50% was recorded for salvage surgery patients without PMMF reinforcement. Identical PCF rates (25%) were recorded for patients who underwent primary total laryngectomy and salvage surgery patients treated with PMMF reinforcement. Mean duration to fistula closure was 57.16 days in the primary laryngectomy group compared with 20.5 days in salvage surgery patients with PMMF reinforcement.     

Acellular dermal graft pharyngeal repair augmentation after laryngectomy

Purpose

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after laryngectomy continues to be a serious complication, especially after radiation. Recruitment of non-radiated tissue into the surgical defect may decrease the risk of fistula. These techniques however have significant morbidity and increases operative time. We hypothesized that using acellular dermal graft to reinforce the pharyngeal closure could decrease the risk of fistula, without the added morbidity of a vascularized flap.

Nutritional predictors of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy: A multivariate analytic study in a single institution

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate analysis, the configuration of nutritional predictors that impact the development pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort study carried out on 203 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection between June 2015 and June 2020. Patients with risk factors for PCF formation, other than malnutrition, were excluded to eliminate the potential impact of that risk factors on PCF formation and to make the study group homogenous. Five parameters were evaluated including preoperative serum prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST).ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels significantly correlated with PCF development. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin level was the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF (P value <0.001, odd ratio 11.951 [95% CI 3.686-38.749]) followed by preoperative albumin (P value 0.006, odd ratio 3.985 [95% CI 1.485- 10.694]).ConclusionPreoperative prealbumin level is considered the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF. It should be used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing total laryngectomy and hence their need for nutritional support.     

Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula complicating laryngectomy in the chemo-radiotherapy organ-preservation epoch

Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula is a serious complication of laryngectomy, with a significant associated morbidity and mortality. The oncologic success of organ-preservation protocols with radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma means laryngectomy is increasingly reserved for surgical salvage in the event of persistent or recurrent disease. A retrospective review of fistula incidence after laryngectomy in 171 patients in a UK tertiary referral centre over the last decade was conducted to identify trends in this complication in the epoch of non-surgical organ preservation. The overall fistula incidence following laryngectomy is 29.2 % (50/171). Fistula incidence following salvage total laryngectomy is significantly higher than after primary total laryngectomy [19/51 (37.3 %) vs. 8/47 (17.0 %), χ ² = 5.02, p = 0.03]. There is no significant effect of prior treatment on fistula incidence following laryngo-pharyngectomy or pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy [14/39 (35.9 %) vs. 9/27 (33.3 %), χ ² = 0.05, p = 0.83]. Prophylactic vascularised tissue flaps to reinforce the pharyngeal suture line may reduce fistula incidence and fistula severity in salvage total laryngectomy.     

Pharyngocutaneous fistula after salvage laryngectomy

Conclusion: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was associated with a significantly higher rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Objective: PCF is the most frequent complication following total laryngectomy. Although organ-preserving radiotherapy (RT) or CRT offer good locoregional control, many patients still require salvage laryngectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that predispose patients to PCF, with a focus on preoperative RT, induction chemotherapy (ICT), and CRT. Methods: This was a retrospective case series; 151 patients who underwent TL were reviewed. Preoperative RT, ICT, CRT, and some surgical parameters were analyzed as potential risk factors. Results: The overall PCF rate was 13%. CRT was the only preoperative treatment that had a significant effect on PCF (35.3%, p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 10.75). Surgery extended to the pharynx (p = 0.005, OR = 8.34) and vacuum drain duration (p = 0.012, OR = 5.16) were observed to be associated with PCF.     

Study of in-patient hospital stay following total laryngectomy: multivariable retrospective analysis of a 442 total laryngectomies

IntroductionPharyngocutaneous salivary fistula is the most common complication following total laryngectomy. Fistulae can lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity.ObjectiveTo investigate those factors related to increased length of stay following total laryngectomy. To further analyze those related with fistula after surgery.Material and MethodsRetrospective study on 442 patients who undenwent total laryngectomy. Study of the covariance (ANCOVA). Uni and multivariate analysis of factors related to salivary fistula.ResultsWe identified alcohol intake, year of surgery and salivaly fistula as factors independently related with increased length of stay at the hospital. Factors independently related with fistula were alcohol intake, tumors affecting tongue base or pyriform sinus, surgeon, fever in the inmediate postoperative period, or wound closure using fibrin blue (negative association with the later).ConclusionsPharyngocutaneous salivary fistula increases three times hospital length of stay in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. We identified the surgeon as the factor more closely related with this complication, and we suggest the need to create well-defined head and neck cancer groups to deal with these surgical procedures.     

晚期喉咽癌和喉癌全喉切除术后咽皮肤瘘

目的:探讨晚期喉咽癌和喉癌患者施行全喉切除术后咽皮肤瘘的位置、易患因素、处置及其结果.方法:回顾性分析因喉咽癌或喉癌施行全喉切除术的198例患者的资料,分析多因素对咽皮肤瘘形成的影响.结果:发生咽皮肤瘘患者33例(16.7%),内瘘口位于黏膜吻合口上段23例(69.7%),下段7例(21.2%),中段3例(9.1%);喉咽癌与喉癌的咽皮肤瘘发生率分别为24.7%和11.6%,其差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后持续发热>5 d与≤5 d者咽皮肤瘘的发生率差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01);28例通过保守治疗痊愈,5例手术修复.结论:全喉切除术后咽皮肤瘘内瘘口多发生于舌根处和气管造瘘后上方,肿瘤部位和术后发热是咽皮肤瘘形成的重要易患因素.     

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae following total laryngectomy

Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula formation is a troublesome complication in head and neck surgery and occurred in 8 out of 53 patients following a total laryngectomy (15%). The incidence falls within the lower range of that reported in the literature (6–66%). Different factors which may influence the formation of fistulae were analysed. Factors which seem to increase fistula formation are previous full dose radiotherapy (Co⁶⁰), residual carcinoma and surgical technique.     

Montgomery salivary bypass tube: a simple solution for pharyngocutaneous fistulas

IntroductionThe pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCF) are among the complications surgeons and nursing personnel fear the most due to their complexity to prevent and/or cure them. Montgomery salivary bypass tube is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of the PCF following laryngectomy. The aim of our study was to describe our experience with salivary bypass in the treatment of the PCF.MethdsThis was a retrospective analysis of pharyngocutaneous fistulas in 21 patients in whom total laryngectomy was performed for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx (January 1999-December 2005). We determinate the overall efficacy of the Montgomery salivary bypass tube in the treatment of the PCF.ResultsA pharyngocutaneous fistula developed within a mean time of 7 days from surgery (from 2nd to 20th day). Montgomery salivary bypass tube was the therapeutic option in all these PCF.12 patients required local anesthesia to introduce the tube and in 9 patients the insertion method was with general anesthesia with direct vision of the hypopharynx. The mean healing time was 26 days, except in one case. This PCF achieved spontaneous closure with local wound care after the bypass was removed.ConclusionsThe observed results corroborated the relevance of Montgomery salivary bypass tube as an important therapeutic option in the treatment of the PCF. There was no need of surgical treatment.     

Incidence and predisposing factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after total laryngectomy. Is there a relationship with tumor recurrence?

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication (8.7 to 22%) in the immediate postoperative period following total laryngectomy. The study's objective was to determine the incidence of post-laryngectomy fistulas in patients operated on in our department to establish whether specific factors predispose to fistula formation and to determine whether fistulas and tumor recurrence are related. Between 1992 and 2001, 377 cases of laryngeal carcinoma were diagnosed, and the patients underwent total laryngectomy in our department. Of these patients, 291 had total laryngectomy as the primary management of their disease, while in 86 patients the operation treated recurrence of the disease. In 92 patients, total laryngectomy was combined with radical or eclectic neck dissection. The presence of early postoperative fistula was established in 49 of the 377 patients (13%) studied. The cancerous stage, exact localization of the tumor, degree of differentiation, previous irradiation, patient's age, performance or not of neck dissection or emergency tracheostomy and fitting of voice prostheses were all factors that, after statistical analysis, did not appear to significantly influence the incidence of postoperative fistulas. Factors that did show statistical significance were the histological infiltration of the tumor's surgical margins (11% negative vs. 38% with positive margins) and coexisting early complications. Fistula management was conservative in the majority of cases. The necessary closure period for a fistula varied between 5 and 81 days (mean: 29 days). Postoperative follow-up of all patients revealed that fistulas did not influence the incidence of tumor recurrence. The incidence of postoperative fistulas in our study was 13%. Incomplete excision of the tumor and coexisting complications were related, among other things, to a higher rate of fistula formation. The rate of tumor recurrence after total laryngectomy was not related to the presence of a fistula during the postoperative period.     

Temporoparietal fascia free flap for pharyngeal coverage after salvage total laryngectomy

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of the temporoparietal fascia as a free flap for pharyngeal closure reinforcement reduced the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in the salvage setting.

Study Design:

Consecutive case series.

Methods:

After research ethics board approval, 12 patients who required salvage laryngectomy, including reinforcement coverag e of the primarily closed pharyngeal defect with temporoparietal fascia as a free tissue transfer, were analyzed.

Results:

One (8%) out of 12 patients experienced pharyngocutaneous fistula that responded with conservative wound packing.

Conclusions:

The PCF rate of 8% is significantly better than in similar salvage cases without flap coverage. Moreover, our PCF rate is comparable to the results shown for the pectoralis major muscle flap. The most obvious benefit of the temporoparietal fascia free flap for pharyngeal coverage in salvage laryngectomy is a reduced PCF rate with diminished donor‐site morbidity, including cosmetic outcome, shoulder girdle function, and chest deformity.     

Salvage total laryngectomy: is a flap necessary?

IntroductionPharyngocutaneous fistula is the most significant complication after salvage total laryngectomy in patients who have received previous treatment with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.ObjectiveOur 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionsProphylactic pectoralis major flap reduced the incidence, severity and duration of fistula and should be considered during salvage total laryngectomy.     

Tracheocutaneous fistula as a complication of laryngotracheal separation surgery

To evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of tracheocutaneous fistula of the proximal tracheal stump regarding the indication (therapeutic or prophylactic) of laryngotracheal separation surgery (LTS) and regarding the presence of a current or previous tracheostomy when LTS was performed. Retrospective analysis of 66 patients submitted to LTS. The tracheocutaneous fistula occurred in 14 (21.2%) patients. Twelve (33.3%) of 36 patients whose indication was therapeutic and in two (6.7%) of 30 patients whose indication was prophylactic (p?=?0.019). It occurred in 8 (57.1%) of 14 patients who had undergone tracheostomy prior to completion of LTS, while occurred in 6 (11.5%) patients who had not previously undergone tracheostomy (n?=?52) (p?=?0.0009). The incidence of tracheocutaneous fistula as a postoperative complication of laryngotracheal separation is high and occurs mainly in patients whose indication is therapeutic and for those with a current or previous tracheostomy. Despite the significant incidence, most of them closed spontaneously through the adoption of conservative therapy.     

Obstructive sleep apnea: is there a difference between vertical and horizontal laryngectomy?

Partial laryngectomy is used in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Structural alterations of the upper airway arising from partial laryngectomy can cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence and severity of OSA in patients submitted to horizontal and vertical partial laryngectomy and assess the role of spirometry for these patients.MethodCross-sectional clinical study with individuals offered partial laryngectomy. The included patients were assessed through interview, upper airway endoscopy, polysomnography, and spirometry.ResultsFourteen patients were evaluated and 92.3% were found to have OSA. The apnea-hypopnea index was significantly higher among patients submitted to vertical laryngectomy (mean = 36.9) when compared to subjects offered horizontal laryngectomy (mean = 11.2). The mean minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation was 85.9 in the horizontal laryngectomy group and 84.3 in the vertical laryngectomy group. Spirometry identified extrathoracic upper airway obstruction in all patients with OSA.ConclusionThe studied population had a high incidence of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA was more severe in patients offered vertical laryngectomy than in the individuals submitted to horizontal laryngectomy. Spirometry seems to be useful in the detection of cases of suspected OSA, as it suggests the presence of extrathoracic upper airway obstruction.     

Utility of the Montgomery salivary tubes for preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the prophylactic, protocolized, and standardized use of a Montgomery tube in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy and neck dissection.Study designRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral centre.Subject and methodsA Montgomery salivary bypass tube was placed in 44 patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection, observing the percentage of fistula appearance and the time of start of deglutition. Comparison was made with a group of 28 patients prior to the implantation of the protocol in whom the tube was not used.ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of fistulas and an earlier onset of deglutition in the salivary bypass tube patients compared to those in whom the tube had not been used.ConclusionProphylactic and standardized use of the Montgomery salivary bypass tube in patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection might decrease the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula and improve the course of one that is already established.     

Complications of total laryngectomy in the era of chemoradiation

As more total laryngectomies (TLE) are nowadays performed as salvage procedures, the rate of postoperative complications increases. The primary aim was to report the rates of postoperative local complications for total laryngectomy in patients with previous radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT) in comparison with primary TLE data. We attempted to identify patient- and tumor-related factors predictive of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation. The secondary aims were to analyze the survival rate in relation to postoperative complications and to study prognostic factors of survival in TLE patients. A retrospective study was conducted in 208 patients. Logistic regression was used to determine the most significant risk factors for fistula formation. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox multivariate regression. PCF developed in 20.7% of cases. In the group of patients with previous RT/CRT, the fistula rate was significantly higher (34%). In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for fistula formation were previous radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.02), higher N classification (p = 0.03), and procedure performed by a less experienced surgeon (p = 0.003). The survival and recurrence rates were not influenced by PCF formation. The overall survival rates were lower in patients with previous RT/CRT and in patients with lymph node involvement.     

Inzidenz von Speichelfisteln in Abhängigkeit vom Zeitpunkt einer oralen Ernährung nach Laryngektomie

Background and objective. A pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication after total laryngectomy. In Germany, a traditional recommendation is to use a nasogastric tube for feeding for 10–14 days postoperatively because many surgeons believe that oral feeding after surgery contributes to fistula development. However, there is no international agreement about when to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy. Some authors begin oral feeding between the 1st and 4th postoperative day without any nasogastric tube, while others using a nasogastric tube delay oral feedings until 7–14 days after surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the timing of oral feeding and the development of fistulas after total laryngectomy. Patients/methods. In a prospective trial with 42 consecutive patients who underwent laryngectomy, oral feeding was started on different postoperative days between the 1st and the 10th. Most patients were selected randomly for the different postoperative days. Furthermore, other potential risk factors predisposing to fistula formation were analyzed retrospectively. Results. Five fistulas occurred in the total group (12%). Early postoperative oral feeding does not increase the incidence of fistulas. The fistula rate was only 9% in patients fed orally in the 1st postoperative week. The analysis of further risk factors for fistula formation showed only a significant correlation between type of resection and fistula occurrence (extended laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy vs standard laryngectomy; p = 0.018). Conclusions. Our results indicate that early oral feeding in the 1st postoperative week does not influence fistula formation after laryngectomy.     

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae following total laryngectomy.

Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula formation is a troublesome complication in head and neck surgery and occurred in 8 out of 53 patients following a total laryngectomy (15%). The incidence falls within the lower range of that reported in the literature (6-66%). Different factors which may influence the formation of fistulae were analysed. Factors which seem to increase fistula formation are previous full dose radiotherapy (Co60), residual carcinoma and surgical technique.