A Novel and Simple Technique to Reduce the Rate of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Formation Following a Total Laryngectomy - our Initial Results

Poutoglidis A, Forozidou E, Fyrmpas G, Mantsopoulos K, Paraskevas GK, Lazaridis N, Savvakis S, Karamitsou P (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Springer India

DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04343-7

Abstract

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common and often devastating complication of total laryngectomy. Patients undergoing a total laryngectomy need enhancement of the neopharynx to reduce the risk of PCF formation. Our study aimed to evaluate the formation of a PCF following a total laryngectomy in patients that underwent a modified closure technique of their neopharynx. This technique included the recruitment of a flap of the muscular division of the pretracheal fascia that invests the strap muscles as a protective blanket. We called this surgical technique the ‘curtain call’. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study for patients who underwent a total laryngectomy in our department between May 2022 and May 2023. Results: Twelve patients were identified. Our results demonstrated that the recruitment of this modified closure technique to cover the neopharynx resulted in a very low rate of postoperative PCF formation (8.3%). Conclusion: The ‘curtain call’ technique is an excellent method to support the neopharynx with extremely low rates of postoperative chronic dysphagia and with no evidence of impairing the development of esophageal speech. It could sometimes substitute much more time-consuming techniques like major pectoralis flap and supraclavicular flap.

Authors with CRIS profile

Konstantinos Mantsopoulos Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (HNO-Klinik)

Involved external institutions

George Papanikolaou General Hospital of Thessaloniki GR Greece (GR) Aristotle University of Thessaloniki GR Greece (GR) Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) / Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης GR Greece (GR)

How to cite

APA:

Poutoglidis, A., Forozidou, E., Fyrmpas, G., Mantsopoulos, K., Paraskevas, G.K., Lazaridis, N.,... Karamitsou, P. (2023). A Novel and Simple Technique to Reduce the Rate of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Formation Following a Total Laryngectomy - our Initial Results. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-04343-7

MLA:

Poutoglidis, Alexandros, et al. "A Novel and Simple Technique to Reduce the Rate of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Formation Following a Total Laryngectomy - our Initial Results." Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (2023).

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