Primary tracheoesophageal puncture in stapler-assisted laryngeal closure: a surgical modification.

With the advancements in the medical field, many innovations in medical devices have happened. Using a surgical stapler to close the laryngectomy defect without opening the pharynx is particularly advantageous in a total laryngectomy (TL). However, performing the tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) during stapler closure of the larynx has not been widely advocated, due to the fear of complications related to the procedure.We treated two male patients with advanced glottic malignancy who underwent a TL. To restore their ability to speak, we performed a primary TEP and immediate voice prosthesis placement. After the TEP, we closed the larynx using a stapler. The surgical technique used in this procedure has been thoroughly explained.The use of a surgical stapler for pharyngeal closure during a TL has several advantages, particularly with regard to the duration of surgery. The current techniques appear to be promising in reducing TEP-related complications during stapler-assisted laryngeal closure.

Postlaryngectomy pharyngoplasty with melolabial flap.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series describing the use of a melolabial flap for postlaryngectomy pharyngoplasty. It is an excellent alternative for pharyngoplasty, especially in cases post chemoradiotherapy. It accomplishes the goal while removing the restrictions of local and distant flaps. Although donor site morbidity is acceptable, specific consent is required due to the possibility of functional and cosmetic impairment. Additional cases with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period can assist corroborate our first findings. In addition, because we tend to protect facial vessels for this flap, a follow-up about the compromise of oncological safety at level IB is required. In our case series, however, there was no recurrence until the final follow-up. As a result, it is a better option to pharyngoplasty post laryngectomy.

Flexible endoscopic phonosurgery for treatment of functional sequelae after laryngeal oncologic surgery: a narrative review.

Flexible endoscopic phonosurgery (FEPS) is one of the most recent and constantly evolving operative techniques in the field of minimally invasive laryngeal surgery. Thanks in part to the possibility of using new technologies, such as digital endoscopes, laser fibres, and different laryngeal injection materials, its fields of application have rapidly expanded. This narrative review describes the current possible indications of FEPS ranging from injection laryngoplasties in cases of vocal cord paralysis or mass defect, to the correction of dysphagia after open partial horizontal laryngectomies. Use of microscissors, microforceps, and laser fibres also allows this technique to be applied for removal of superficial vocal cord lesions, avoiding general anaesthesia in an increasing number of patients.

Automatic speaking valve in tracheo-esophageal speech: treatment proposal for a widespread usage.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to calculate the percentage of the Automatic Speaking Valve (ASV) use in a large cohort of laryngectomized patients with voice prosthesis (VP) and to analyze the main reasons for non-use. Subsequently, a specific rehabilitation training was proposed. METHODS: One hundred-ten laryngectomized patients with VP were enrolled in the first phase of the study (census). Among them, 57 patients were included in the second phase (intervention), in which a training based on moving phonatory exercises was proposed. Structured questionnaires were used before and after training in order to investigate ASV use rate (days/week and hours/day; reasons for impeding the ASV use), average adhesive life-time during ASV use; hands-free speech duration; skin irritation. Patients also expressed their degree of on a VAS scale from 0 to 100. RESULTS: In the census phase the percentage of use of ASV (everyday, without problems) was equal to 17.27% (19/110 patients). The main causes of disuse concerned excessive fatigue and poor durability of the adhesives. The analysis of the results pre vs. post-training showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in all the investigated parameters. Patients reported a good level of treatment compliance (average frequency of performing exercises equal to 4.2 ± 2.5 days/week for 1.4 ± 1.01 h/day) and high degrees of satisfaction. After treatment, the percentage of use of AVS increased by 43% reaching a rate of 60% (66/110 patients). CONCLUSION: A specific and targeted approach that simulate the phonatory and breathing difficulties of everyday life can increase the ASV usage rate.

Risk factors and healing factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer: An epidemiological study.

To analyse the risk factors and healing factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in patients with laryngeal cancer after total laryngectomy, and to explore the relevant epidemiology. A retrospective analysis was conducted on laryngeal cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2022. The 349 patients included in the study were divided into a PCF group of 79 and a non-PCF group of 270. Perform one-way analysis of variance and multivariate logistic analysis on various data of patients included in the statistics, and analyse the risk factors and healing factors of PCF. Smoking, history of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer, history of chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer, tumour location (larynx, pharynx, oesophagus), preoperative albumin, postoperative proteinaemia, <99 haemoglobin, postoperative haemoglobin, postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level are the risk factors for PCF. Also, radiation therapy and postoperative proteinaemia were the main reasons for preventing PCF healing. Smoking history, laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy, albumin, haemoglobin and CRP are risk factors for postoperative PCF after total laryngectomy, while radiation therapy and postoperative hypoalbuminaemia are key factors affecting PCF healing.

Horizontal pharyngeal closure during total laryngectomy reduces rates of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

PURPOSE: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a possible complication following total laryngectomy (TL), with a mean incidence of 17%. We intended to investigate the effect of pharyngeal closure type during TL on the prevention of PCF. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients that underwent TL with a horizontal pharyngeal closure over a 10-year period. The frequency of PCF clinically, dysphagia, total oral diet, postoperative dilatation of the neopharynx and voice problems were tabulated. RESULTS: Seventy-seven subjects underwent TL due to laryngeal tumor without pharyngeal extension. Of them, 45 underwent a salvage TL. PCF occurred in 1/77 subjects. The rest of the subjects (76/77) did not develop a PCF, neither in the early nor in the late postoperative phase. All subjects (15/77) that underwent implantation of a voice prosthesis were satisfied with their voice. No subject complained about dysphagia. Every subject achieved total oral diet. CONCLUSION: The horizontal pharyngeal closure is a safe pharyngeal closure technique during TL, reduces PCF rates (< 2%), results in excellent voice rehabilitation and swallowing function, and can also be used during salvage TL instead of a major pectoral flap. This type of closure should be used only in selected patients with laryngeal disease without pharyngeal extension.

Acquired tracheobronchomalacia developed following voice prosthesis implantation.

Acquired tracheobronchomalacia (ATBM) is a condition in which the tracheobronchial wall and cartilage progressively lose their rigidity, resulting in dynamic collapse during exhalation. In this report, we present a case of ATBM that developed following voice prosthesis implantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of such a condition in the medical English literature based on a PubMed search. A 63-year-old man was referred to National Kyushu Cancer Center in Japan with complaints of pharyngeal pain and a laryngeal tumor. The tumor was diagnosed as laryngeal cancer, and the patient underwent laryngectomy. Three months after the surgery, we implanted a voice prosthesis through a tracheoesophageal puncture. Two months after implantation, the patient experienced dyspnea. This condition was subsequently diagnosed as ATBM through computed tomography and bronchofiberscope examinations. After the removal of the voice prosthesis, there has been no progression of ATBM for over five years. While ATBM may not be a common occurrence in the practice of head and neck surgeons, it should be considered as a potential complication when patients report dyspnea following voice prosthesis implantation.

Impact of stapler versus manual closure techniques on pharyngocutaneous fistula development post-total laryngectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major complication after total laryngectomy, with significant morbidity and mortality. Whether mechanical stapler closure of the pharynx reduces fistula rates compared to hand-sewn techniques remains unclear. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify this question. Five databases were systematically searched from inception through November 2023 for studies comparing stapler versus suture closure for fistula outcomes after laryngectomy. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using random-effects models and fixed-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Risk of bias was appraised using NHLBI tools. Nine studies with 803 patients were included. Mechanical closure significantly reduced fistula incidence versus suture closure (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis found that stapling's protective effect varied by patient age, country/region, linear stapler size and female percentage. Stapling reduced fistula odds by 80% in the Turkey subgroup (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09-0.50) but showed no benefit in other regions. Patients <60 years showed an 84% fistula reduction with stapling (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.45), whereas older subgroups did not. Linear stapler size of 60 mm significantly reduced fistula occurrence while 75 mm did not. There was no evidence that low female percentage mitigated stapling benefits. Mechanical stapler closure after total laryngectomy meaningfully reduces the likelihood of postoperative PCF formation compared to hand-sewn closure, especially for patients younger than 60 years old. The absolute risk reduction supports its utility to prevent this complication.

[Implications of total laryngectomy].

This clinical lesson describes three patients with problems after a total laryngectomy. Patient A suffered from acute tracheitis and narrowing of the tracheostoma. Patient B experienced acute dyspnea due to thick mucus plugs. Patient C had progressive symptoms of deteriorating speech and dysphagia, which resolved after dilatation of a pharyngeal stenosis. A total laryngectomy leads to definitive changes in anatomy and physiology. In case of respiratory symptoms, it is important to recognize the tracheostoma is the only entrance to the airway. Speech is generally well rehabilitated with a speech valve in a tracheoesophageal fistula.

Functional Laryngectomy and Quality of Life in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer With Intractable Aspiration.

Importance: Late effects of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment include profound dysphagia, chronic aspiration, and death. Functional laryngectomy (FL) can improve patient survival and quality of life (QoL); however, removing a failing larynx for a noncancer reason is a difficult decision. Data regarding the ability of FL to improve self-perceptions of voice, swallowing, and QOL in survivors of HNC with intractable aspiration are inconclusive. Objective: To investigate the association of FL with changes in self-reported perceptions of voice, swallowing, oral intake, QoL, and mood in survivors of HNC experiencing profound dysphagia and intractable aspiration. Design, Settings, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted at a single academic institution and included survivors of HNC with profound swallowing dysfunction and intractable aspiration who underwent FL from July 2016 through March 2022. Of the initial 22 patients enrolled, 2 patients (15%) died of aspiration pneumonia before receiving FL. Data analyses were performed from July 2016 through March 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported measures of voice using the VHI (30-item Voice Handicap Index), swallowing using the EAT-10 (10-item Eating Assessment Tool), functional oral intake scale using the FOIS (Functional Oral Intake Scale), and quality of life using the FACT-H&N (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head & Neck) were assessed before FL and at 1, 3, and 6 months after FL. Mood states were evaluated using the POMS (Profile of Mood States, second edition), before FL and at 6 months after FL. Results: The study analyses included 20 patients (mean [SD] age, 72.4 (7.0) years; 19 [95%] males and 1 [5%] female) who underwent FL and had complete data across all time points. Among these, 12 patients (60%) had received chemoradiation for oropharyngeal, 7 (35%) for laryngeal, or 1 (5%) for nasopharyngeal cancer. The mean (SD) time from completion of oncologic treatment to FL was 15.5 (5.5) years. Mean (SD) score on the EAT-10 improved from 33.2 (7.4) to 23.1 (10.8) at 1 month; 12.1 (9.1) at 3 months; and 8.3 (7.4) at 6 months, with a large effect size (η2 = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.80). Mean (SD) score on the FOIS improved from 2.0 (1.5) to 2.9 (1.7) at 1 month; 4.8 (2.5) at 3 months; and 5.2 (1.7) at 6 months, with a large effect size (η2 = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.38-0.71). Improvement in oral intake was achieved in 19 patients (95%), and feeding tubes were removed in 10 of 16 patients (63%) who were feeding tube-dependent; 6 patients (27%) continued to require supplemental tube feedings. Mean (SD) score on the VHI improved from 63.6 (34.0) to 86.9 (33.7) at 1 month; 71.3 (36.1) at 3 months; and 39.7 (26.9) at 6 months, with a large effect size (η2 = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19-0.56). Seventeen patients (85%) were able to use a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis for alaryngeal communication. Mean (SD) score on the FACT-H&N improved from 86.2 (17.8) to 93.6 (18.4) at 1 month; 109.0 (18.4) at 3 months; and 121.0 (16.8) at 6 months, with a large effect size (η2 = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.74). Mean (SD) score on the POMS improved from 58.9 (13.2) at baseline to 44.5 (9.9) at 6 months, with a large effect size (Cohen d = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.48-1.57). None of the patients experienced major complications of FL; 1 patient (5%) had a postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study indicate that FL was associated with marked improvements in self-perception of voice and swallowing, functional oral intake, QoL, and mood state among survivors of HNC. These findings can serve as a framework for FL counseling among HNC survivors experiencing profound dysphagia and intractable aspiration.

The Ischemic Tolerance up to Four Hours of Free Jejunum Flap: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: While free jejunum transfer (FJT) following total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE) is a reliable reconstruction technique, the jejunum flap is viewed as more susceptible to ischemia than a standard free flap. Animal studies have indicated that the jejunum can tolerate ischemia for as little as 2 to 3 hours. Clinical studies also reported increased complications after the FJT with more than 3 hours of ischemia. Traditionally, our institution has carried out FJT with an initial intestinal anastomosis, followed by a vascular anastomosis, which often results in extended jejunal ischemia time. In this study, we retrospectively examined the actual tolerance of the jejunum to ischemia, considering perioperative complications and postoperative dysphagia. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 402 consecutive cases involving TPLE + FJT. Patients were divided into five groups based on jejunum ischemia time (∼119 minutes, 120∼149 minutes, 150∼179 minutes, 180∼209 minutes, 210 minutes∼), with each variable and result item compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent factors influencing the four results: three perioperative complications (pedicle thrombosis, anastomotic leak, surgical site infection) and dysphagia at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean jejunal ischemia time was 164.6 ± 28.4 (90-259) minutes. When comparing groups divided by jejunal ischemia time, we found no significant differences in overall outcomes or complications. Our multivariate analyses indicated that jejunal ischemia time did not impact the three perioperative complications and postoperative dysphagia. CONCLUSION: In TPLE + FJT, a jejunal ischemia time of up to 4 hours had no effect on perioperative complications or postoperative dysphagia. The TPLE + FJT technique, involving a jejunal anastomosis first followed by vascular anastomosis, benefits from an easier jejunal anastomosis but suffers from a longer jejunal ischemia time. However, we found that ischemia time does not pose significant problems, although we have not evaluated the effects of jejunal ischemia extending beyond 4 hours.

Vascularized Tissue to Reduce Fistula After Salvage Total Laryngectomy: A Network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Salvage laryngectomy is more predisposed to complications than primary operations, with pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) being among the most challenging to manage. Vascularized flaps are increasingly employed during salvage laryngectomy, with a previous review finding a PCF incidence of 31.2% and 22.2% after primary and flap-assisted closure respectively. We aim to better define the role of vascularized flaps after salvage laryngectomy by performing an updated review comparing the rate of PCF in those undergoing primary or vascularized flap-assisted closure. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed/Medline, CINAHL, and CENTRAL. REVIEW METHODS: An updated literature review was conducted of English language literature from 2003 to 2023. A random effects and network meta-analysis of odds ratios (OR) and pooled proportions were conducted. RESULTS: Literature search found 31 studies, including seven from the previous review. Overall random effects pooled PCF rate was 25% (95% CI 0.21; 0.30, I2 = 72%, p = <0.01), whereas incidence in primary closure was 37% (95% CI 0.32; 0.43, I2 = 60%, p = <0.01) and 19% (95% CI 0.12; 0.20, I2 = 47%, p = <0.01) after flap closure. Pooled OR was 0.39 (95% CI 0.28; 0.55, I2 = 36%, p = 0.04) in favor of vascularized tissues. The number needed to treat was 6.5. The rate of PCF was lower after free and pedicled flaps, and on-lay and patch closure compared to primary closure techniques. Network meta-analysis found all combinations of closure techniques and vascularized tissue were superior to primary closure. CONCLUSION: The updated analysis has demonstrated a widening in the rates of PCF between primary and vascularized flap-assisted closure. Surgeons should strongly consider the use of free or pedicled flaps in any salvage laryngectomy procedure. Laryngoscope, 134:2991-3002, 2024.

Unlocking tracheoesophageal speech from pharyngoesophageal spasm: preliminary results of a videofluoroscopic-guided botulinum toxin A injection technique.

PURPOSE: The tracheoesophageal puncture for the voice prosthesis (VP) placement is the recognized gold standard in post-laryngectomy voice rehabilitation. Despite the development of specific intraoperative techniques, a subset of patients will suffer from poor functional outcomes due to pharyngoesophageal spasms (PES). This paper evaluates the functional outcomes after transcutaneous botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) infiltration for PES with a videofluoroscopy-guided technique. METHODS: Since 2022, eight consecutive patients with VP and affected by PES were treated with BTX-A injection by a standard videofluoroscopic guided technique at the European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS (IEO) in Milan. A lidocaine test was performed pre-operatively to evaluate the potential effect of chemical neurectomy. All patients with positive lidocaine tests were injected with 50 IU of BTX-A (Allergan, Irvine, CA) according to the sites marked during the videofluoroscopy. Reported symptoms (VHI, SECEL), perceptual (INFVo), aerodynamic (MPT) and manometric parameters were collected before and after treatment. RESULTS: In all cases, BTX-A was performed as an outpatient procedure without complications. For seven patients, only one BTX-A injection was needed, while one patient required a re-injection. Subjective and perceptive improvement after BTX-A was significant for VHI, SECEL and INFVo. MPT showed significant improvement after a chemical neurectomy. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, all patients maintained a good TES quality. CONCLUSION: The videofluoroscopic guided BTX-A injection of the pharyngoesophageal tract showed to be a feasible and reproducible technique in all cases. The pharyngoesophageal videofluoroscopy allows defining of patients' anatomical landmarks that help the surgeon to perform a homogeneous injection, empowered by post-injection massage.

Prophylactic pectoralis major flap to compensate for increased risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula in laryngectomy patients with low skeletal muscle mass (PECTORALIS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy (TL) is a surgical procedure commonly performed on patients with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma. One of the most common postoperative complications following TL is the development of a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), characterized by a communication between the neopharynx and the skin. PCF can lead to extended hospital stays, delayed oral feeding, and compromised quality of life. The use of a myofascial pectoralis major flap (PMMF) as an onlay technique during pharyngeal closure has shown potential in reducing PCF rates in high risk patients for development of PCF such as patients undergoing TL after chemoradiation and low skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Its impact on various functional outcomes, such as shoulder and neck function, swallowing function, and voice quality, remains less explored. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of PMMF in reducing PCF rates in patients with low SMM and its potential consequences on patient well-being. METHODS: This multicenter study adopts a randomized clinical trial (RCT) design and is funded by the Dutch Cancer Society. Eligible patients for TL, aged ≥ 18 years, mentally competent, and proficient in Dutch, will be enrolled. One hundred and twenty eight patients with low SMM will be centrally randomized to receive TL with or without PMMF, while those without low SMM will undergo standard TL. Primary outcome measurement involves assessing PCF rates within 30 days post-TL. Secondary objectives include evaluating quality of life, shoulder and neck function, swallowing function, and voice quality using standardized questionnaires and functional tests. Data will be collected through electronic patient records. DISCUSSION: This study's significance lies in its exploration of the potential benefits of using PMMF as an onlay technique during pharyngeal closure to reduce PCF rates in TL patients with low SMM. By assessing various functional outcomes, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of PMMF deployment. The anticipated results will contribute valuable insights into optimizing surgical techniques to enhance patient outcomes and inform future treatment strategies for TL patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NL8605, registered on 11-05-2020; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).

Analysis of swallowing and voice-related quality of life in patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the swallowing and voice function of laryngeal cancer patients after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy(SCPL), and its influence on quality of life to provide a reference for the selection of surgical methods for laryngeal cancer patients. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who received SCPL between April 2015 and November 2021 were included. Each patient's swallowing function and quality of life were assessed through fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Fundamental, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time (MPT), and voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) were performed to assess voice function and voice-related quality of life. RESULTS: The results of the FEES of the 21 patients were as follows: the rates of pharyngeal residue after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 38.09%, respectively; the rates of laryngeal infiltration after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 4.76%, respectively; and aspiration did not occur in any of the patients. In the evaluation of swallowing quality of life, the mean total MDADI score was 92.6 ± 6.32. The voice function evaluation showed that the mean F0, jitter, shimmer, and MPT values were 156.01 ± 120.87 (HZ), 11.57 ± 6.21 (%), 35.37 ± 14.16 (%) and 7.85 ± 6.08 (s), respectively. The mean total VHI-10 score was 7.14 ± 4.84. CONCLUSION: SCPL provides patients with satisfactory swallowing and voice function. The patients in this study were satisfied with their quality of life in terms of swallowing and voice. SCPL can be used as a surgical method to preserve laryngeal function in patients with laryngeal cancer.

Institutional experience with total pharyngectomy reconstruction: Exploring the role of the salivary bypass tube.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus regarding the effectiveness of salivary bypass tubes during total pharyngectomy reconstruction to prevent pharyngocutaneous fistula or pharyngoesophageal stricture. METHODS: Our study examined tubed free flap reconstruction outcomes for total pharyngectomy defects over 11 years at a single tertiary referral center. We compared postoperative fistula and stricture rates between two groups: those with salivary bypass tubes inserted during reconstruction and those without. RESULTS: Among 36 patients, 26 had radial forearm, and 10 had anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction. 53% received salivary bypass tubes. However, the tubes did not significantly reduce the relative risks of fistula or stricture. Notably, neck dissection during total pharyngectomy was associated with increased fistula incidence. Minor salivary bypass tube-related complications affected 21% of subjects. CONCLUSION: The role of salivary bypass tubes in total pharyngectomy reconstruction remains uncertain.

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study to detect pharyngeal leak after total (pharyngo-) laryngectomy: Retrospective assessment of a single-institution protocol.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a single-institution protocol of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) for the detection of pharyngeal leak (PL) and its usefulness to mitigate evolution into subsequent pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total (pharyngo-) laryngectomy (TL). METHODS: This retrospective single-center study was conducted between February 2014 and December 2022. We included all patients who underwent TL and performed a VFSS between Day 7 and Day 14 postoperatively to detect a subclinical PL. RESULTS: Two-hundred and forty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the 186 patients (75%) with a negative VFSS, 11 patients (5.9%) developed a secondary PCF after oral intake resumption (false negative of VFSS). Among the 62 patients (25%) with a positive VFSS, the occurrence of a PCF was avoided in 59.7% of cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed a good effectiveness of VFSS in the detection of PL after TL, alongside a usefulness to mitigate evolution into subsequent PCF.

Perforator-based chimeric ulnar forearm microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of post-radiated tracheoesophageal puncture fistulae.

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) performed during total laryngectomy in the primary treatment of laryngeal cancer is the standard method for voice restoration. Following adjuvant radiotherapy, the TEP site can experience complications resulting in a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with chronic leakage making oral alimentation unsafe due to aspiration. Here, we describe a technique using chimeric ulnar artery perforator forearm free flaps (UAPFF) in the reconstruction of these complex deformities. Four patients underwent chimeric UAPFF reconstruction of TEP site TEFs following primary TL with TEP and adjuvant radiotherapy. No flap failures or surgical complications occurred. Average time from end of radiotherapy to persistent TEF was 66 months (range 4-190 months). All patients had resolution in their TEF with average time to total oral diet achievement of 22 days (14-42 days). Chimeric UAPFF reconstruction is a safe and effective method to reconstruct recalcitrant TEP site TEFs.

Modified Gugging Swallowing Screen: A New Bedside Evaluation Tool for Swallowing Function in Patients with Open Partial Laryngectomy before Oral Feeding: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a prevalent complication following partial laryngectomy. We aimed to introduce a novel bedside evaluation tool, the modified Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS), and evaluate its reliability and validity in patients with open partial laryngectomy before oral feeding. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 120 patients with laryngeal cancer, including 40 hospitalized patients who underwent open partial laryngectomy. On the same day before oral feeding, we performed the modified GUSS, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to evaluate swallowing function. Two independent trained nurses assessed all patients for interrater reliability of modified GUSS. We compared the results of the modified GUSS with VFSS for predictive validity, and VFSS results for solid, semisolid, and liquid intake for content validity. RESULTS: The results of VFSS and FEES showed a strong correlation and consistency (rs = 0.952, p < 0.01; κ = 0.800 to 1.000, p < 0.01). The modified GUSS exhibited substantial to excellent interrater reliability across all classification categories (rs = 0.961, p < 0.01; κ = 0.600 to 1.000, p < 0.01) and demonstrated excellent consistency and predictive validity compared to VFSS (rs = -0.931, p < 0.01; κ = 0.800 to 1.000, p < 0.01). Content validity revealed that the risk of aspiration during solid intake was lower than that during semisolid intake (p < 0.01), and the risk of aspiration during semisolid intake was lower than that during liquid intake (p < 0.01), therefore confirming the subtest sequence of the modified GUSS. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully modified GUSS for patients with open partial laryngectomy. Moreover, the new bedside screening tool was validated as an effective tool for evaluating swallowing function and the risk of aspiration in patients with open partial laryngectomy before oral feeding.