Lateral cervical approach for salvage total laryngectomy without pharyngeal reinforcement with pedicled or free flaps: our preliminary experience in six patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical outcomes in terms of postoperative wound complications in a small case series of six patients treated with lateral cervical approach (LCA) for salvage total laryngectomy (STL) without prophylactic use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) or free flaps. METHODS: Between September 2018 and August 2019, six patients with recurrent/residual squamous-cell carcinoma after (chemo)radiotherapy [(C)RT] underwent STL with minimally invasive LCA with the anterior myocutaneous flap (AMCF), sparing the prelaryngeal tissue. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Wound dehiscence and local complications were prevented in five cases. Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) occurred in one case and the closure was achieved by medical dressing with spontaneous healing within 15 days. Oral intake of liquids started 2 weeks after surgery in the five patients without local complications, after 24 days in the patient with PCF. CONCLUSION: STL through the LCA after [(C)RT] failure seems to be feasible and effective in terms of prevention of local complications as wound dehiscence and fistula. More large clinical series are needed to confirm whether the use of LCA reduced the rate of postoperative wound complications following STL without the prophylactic use of pedicled or free flaps.

Elective Neck Dissection in Patients Undergoing Salvage Laryngectomy: Outcomes, Complications, and Considerations.

Objective In this study, we sought to identify the predictors for occult nodal disease (OND) and compare oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing elective neck dissection (END) at the time of salvage laryngectomy (SLE) versus the observation group. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted involving all patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) necks who underwent SLE at a tertiary academic center over 12 years. A total of 58 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: END (n=39) and observation (n=19). Primary endpoints were OND, regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS). Univariate analysis was performed to establish the association between variables with Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. Survival analysis was performed with the log-rank test. Results The cohort comprised 46 (79.3%) males and 12 (20.7%) females, with a mean age of 60 years. Pathological nodal disease was identified in five of 71 (7%) examined neck dissection specimens, with positive nodes found in levels II through IV. The only statistically significant predictor of OND was the rT3/rT4 stage (p=0.017). There were no differences in perioperative complications, RRFS (p=0.216), or DSS (p=0.298) between the END and observation groups. Conclusions In cN0 necks, the advanced recurrent T-stage (rT3-rT4) is a predictor for OND. As OND was found involving levels II, III, and IV in this study's specimens, formal lateral neck dissection should be the procedure of choice if END is to be performed alongside SLE. While END did not show a significantly higher morbidity profile versus conservative management in this cohort, the procedure did not improve loco-regional control or survival, even when stratifying by tumor stage.

External validation of the GETTEC algorithm for elective neck dissection in patients candidates for salvage total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an external validation of the algorithm for elective treatment of the lymph node areas proposed by GETTEC for patients candidates to salvage total laryngectomy after radiotherapy. This algorithm is based on the initial lymph node status, local extension of the recurrence and time to recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study performed in 151 patients treated with salvage total laryngectomy without clinical or radiological evidence of regional involvement at the time of diagnosis of recurrence (rcN0). The percentage of patients with occult lymph node metastases was calculated according to the algorithm proposed by GETTEC. RESULTS: A total of 14.6 % (n = 22) of the patients had occult lymph node metastases. Patients with locally advanced recurrences (rcT4) had a higher risk of occult lymph node metastases. There were no significant differences in the risk of occult lymph node metastases according to initial lymph node status or time to recurrence. When applying the algorithm proposed by GETTEC, there were no significant differences in the percentage of occult lymph node metastases between the group of patients who were candidates for follow-up (14.4 %) and those candidates for elective neck dissection (14.9 %) (P = 0.940). According to our results, patients who were candidates for an elective neck dissection were those with tumors located in the supraglottis or rcT4 glottic tumors. CONCLUSION: Our results do not validate the algorithm proposed by GETTEC for the management of the lymph nodes in rcN0 patients who are candidates for salvage total laryngectomy after radiotherapy.

The use of Montgomery salivary bypass tubes and pharyngocutaneous fistula following salvage laryngectomy.

Objectives: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most common complication to follow total laryngectomy (TL) and is associated with increases in length of hospital stay and with a need for revision surgery or readmission, as well as with delays in return to oral diet. Patients who require salvage TL (STL) or primary (chemo)radiation therapy are at higher risk for developing PCF. Due to the quality-of-life burden of PCF on patients, limiting this occurrence is crucial. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing STL with placement of Montgomery salivary bypass tube (MSBT)™ for at least 2 weeks duration between 2013 and 2017 at a single institution. Our patients all underwent free flap reconstruction. Our primary outcome of interest was development of PCF. Secondary outcomes included demographics, previous treatment, base of tongue (BOT) involvement, extent of defect, concurrent neck dissection (ND), and margin status. Univariate χ 2 analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with PCF. Results: Forty-four patients underwent STL with Montgomery tube placement and free flap reconstruction. Eight developed PCF (18.2%). The average age was 61.6 years; 36 patients were male (81.8%), whereas eight patients were female (18.2%). There was no association between PCF and previous chemoradiation versus radiation (15.8% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.30), BOT involvement versus not (11.1 vs. 22.2%, P < 0.38), circumferential versus partial defect (18.8% vs. 17.9%, P < 0.94), ND versus none (10% vs. 25%, P < 0.20), or margin status. Conclusion: PCF complicated 18.2% of STL cases at our institution and was not associated with differences in primary treatment modality, presence of concomitant ND, extent of pharyngeal defect, BOT involvement, or positive frozen or permanent surgical margin.

Radiologic findings of occult nodal metastasis during clinically-N0 salvage total laryngectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Occult nodal disease (OND) during clinically-N0 salvage total laryngectomy (TL) can be detected with the Neck-Imaging-Reporting-and-Data-Systems (NI-RADS). However, some patients will still have OND revealed on final pathology. METHODS: A retrospective study on all patients who had OND during salvage TL with elective neck dissection (END) between 2009 and 2021 was performed. Repeat CT and PET scan interpretation was performed to evaluate their preoperative imaging for suspicious features. RESULTS: Among 81 salvage TL patients undergoing END, 12 (16%) had OND and a total of 26 occult nodes were identified. On pathology, the average node length [SD] was 0.6 cm [0.3]. On CT, 31% (8 of 26) had rounded morphology. On PET, most had SUVmax below blood pool. One patient scored NI-RADS 2; the rest scored 1. CONCLUSIONS: On re-review of preoperative imaging, occult nodes were subtle and challenging to identify. Despite no clear impact on survival, performing an END may provide prognostic information.

Pectoralis Major in Salvage Total Laryngectomy after Irradiation: Morbidity, Mortality, Functional, and Oncological Results in a Referral Center in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical organ preservation protocols have seen a large diffusion worldwide in the last decades. Their oncological and functional effectiveness in a real-world setting has been recently questioned because of the high morbidity of salvage procedures. The aim of this study is to review the outcomes of postirradiation salvage total laryngectomy (STL) and reconstruction with pectoralis major flap. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 37 cases of STL in the period from January 2015 to December 2021. Data for each patient were extracted from the hospital information system and reviewed. RESULTS: The 3-year overall and disease-specific survival are, respectively, 28% and 51%. Only seven recurrences after salvage surgery were recorded and all of them died from the disease. The other 14 deaths derived from comorbidities, with diabetes being the most significant predictive parameter for overall survival. Also, lower postoperative albumin levels were associated with a higher risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival after STL and reconstruction with PMMF is low but most deaths are due to comorbidities and not to cancer progression or recurrence.

Laryngectomy in Elderly Patients: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background and objective Patients over the age of 75 years make up 20% of the head and neck cancer population, which is a relatively under-represented patient cohort in clinical literature. To our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the outcomes of laryngectomy in patients aged over 75 years, which prompted us to present this unique series. Methods We reviewed departmental records at the University College Hospital, London over a 10-year period, and identified a total of 18 patients over the age of 75 years who underwent total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma. We evaluated the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features and outcomes for each patient. Results The age of the cohort ranged from 75 to 90 years, with a mean age of 79.8 years. All patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or more (due to age), with a mean of 4.7, and a maximum score of 8 for two patients. Length of inpatient stay varied significantly, ranging from 20 to 149 days, with a mean of 46 days. We identified 14 patients who underwent laryngectomy prior to September 2017, in whom the five-year survival was 21.4%. The three-year survival rate for all patients was 22.2%. In bivariate analysis, advanced age at surgery positively correlated with increased length of hospital admission and increased incidence of complications, although these results were not statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions Our study highlights the significance of the impact of age and comorbidities on postoperative outcomes and sheds light on the unique challenges faced by an ageing population. Careful consideration must be made in terms of appropriate patient selection, and clinicians must offer a robust and tailored approach to elderly care.

The Incidence and the Risk Factors for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula following Primary and Salvage Total Laryngectomy.

The pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most common complication following a total laryngectomy (TL) with a wide range of incidence and various potential risk factors. The aim was to analyse the incidence and potential risk factors for PCF formation in a large study set collected over a longer period of time. In the retrospective study at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery of Ljubljana, 422 patients who were treated for head and neck cancer by TL between 2007 and 2020 were included. The comprehensive clinicopathologic data were collected including potential risk factors related to the patient, disease, surgical treatment and post-operative period for the development of fistulae. The patients were categorized into a group with the fistula (a study group) and one without it (a control group). The PCF then developed in 23.9% of patients. The incidence following a primary TL was 20.8% and 32.7% following salvage TL (p = 0.012). The results demonstrated that surgical wound infection, piriform sinus invasion, salvage TL, and total radiation dose were determined as independent risk factors for PCF formation. A diminishing surgical wound infection rate would contribute to a further reduction of the PCF rate.

Laryngectomy in Young Patients: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background and objective The peak incidence of laryngeal cancer is seen in individuals aged over 65 years, with very few patients under 50 years developing advanced laryngeal cancer necessitating laryngectomy. Apart from often delayed diagnosis, this younger cohort faces a unique set of challenges related to fertility preservation, lower recruitment to clinical trials, and significant psychological impact. In light of this, this case series aimed to examine the various characteristics of patients below the age of 50 years undergoing total laryngectomy. Methods We reviewed departmental records at the University College Hospital London, spanning a period of 10 years, to identify patients who underwent total laryngectomy under the age of 50 years. Results The group comprised a total of nine patients over the age of 10 years: five males and four females. Six (66.7%) patients were smokers, and two (22.2%) had human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-positive disease. These patients underwent a variety of operative techniques. The length of postoperative inpatient stay varied greatly, ranging from five to 44 days (mean: 23 days). Conclusion There appears to be a lower prevalence of classical risk factors in our younger cohort undergoing total laryngectomy, as well as a reduced incidence of HPV-16 and a higher proportion of females. We also bring to light the significant psychological impact that these younger patients face and highlight the key learning point that clinicians must be vigilant in investigating younger patients with suspicious symptoms, even in the absence of obvious risk factors. Although further research is needed, this series is unique in that currently there are no other papers outlining laryngectomies in a patient group aged below 50 years.

Persistent Neopharynx Pseudomonas Infection After a Sealed Anastomotic Leak Post Total Laryngectomy.

Total laryngectomy (TL) is the treatment of choice for advanced glottic cancer. Post-operative complications can be debilitating for patients, family members and healthcare workers. Complications following TL have been reported in many studies, with pharyngocutaneous fistula and wound infection being the most common. Identifying the risk factors that may give rise to these complications is vital to minimise post-operative morbidity. We present the case of a 62-year-old male who underwent salvage TL following radiation therapy for recurrent glottic carcinoma. The patient developed diffuse submental swelling upon the commencement of oral feeding. A flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed a sloughy area at the neopharynx, with the finding of a sealed anastomotic leak on a repeat barium swallow study. We report persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection following salvage TL, after a sealed anastomotic leak.

Proposal for an algorithm to avoid neck dissection during salvage total laryngectomy. A GETTEC multicentric study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors related to the presence of occult metastases before salvage total laryngectomy (STL) in rcN0 patients and to propose an algorithm to identify patients who do not require neck dissection (ND). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study included five centers with recruitment from 2008 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were: i) having been treated for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in first intention by radiotherapy (either alone or potentiated or preceded by induction chemotherapy), ii) having received STL with or without ND, iii) having an rcN0 neck at the time of STL. RESULTS: 120 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall rate of occult metastases was 9.1 %. The rate was significantly higher in patients with an initial positive cN+ lymph node status (p < 0.005) and in advanced stages with rcT3-T4 lesions at recurrence (p < 0.005). Patients with occult metastases recurred earlier than those without (p = 0.002). The overall survival of patients was the same with or without ND (p = 0.16). There were significantly more healing complications requiring revision surgery in the group with ND than in the group without (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: ND does not confer a net survival benefit and is associated with significant complications. Patients without initial lymph node metastases who are rcT1-T2 at recurrence or rcT3-T4 with a recurrence period of more than 12 months could benefit from STL without ND. This decisional algorithm, which needs to be validated, would help avoid 58 % of ND procedures and their proven morbidity. DISCIPLINE: Head and neck surgery.

Elective Neck Dissection during Salvage Total Laryngectomy: Personal Experience.

The role of elective neck dissection during salvage surgery in patients with a clinically negative neck (cN0) is still discussed. The main objective of this work was to estimate the prevalence and predictive factors of occult neck nodes metastasis; we therefore aimed to evaluate the survival rate and the main oncologic outcomes of cN0 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy and elective bilateral neck dissection. In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled 80 cN0 patients affected by recurrent laryngeal cancer and who underwent salvage total laryngectomy and bilateral selective elective neck dissection. Several parameters were collected in order to find prognostic factors; finally, postoperative complications were reviewed and survival analysis was performed. Occult lymph node metastases were reported in 18 out of 80 patients (22.5%). Significant statistical correlation between lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.007), perineural invasion (p = 0.025) and occult nodal metastasis was found. Other variables (glottic subsite of recurrence, clinical T, pathological T, previous chemotherapy) were not significantly predictive of occult nodal metastasis. The 5-year OS, DSS, and RFS were 50.4%, 64.7%, and 63.4%, respectively. In conclusion, our single-institution data on a large cohort of patients, suggest performing routinely elective selective bilateral neck dissection during salvage total laryngectomy in cN0 patients due to the biological attitude of the tumor to spread to cervical nodes, considering an acceptable complications rate.

Post-operative complications due to salvage total laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy - a multicentre retrospective study.

Background: Few studies have demonstrated the utility of pharyngeal interposition graft (PIG) applying pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) by comparing pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) rates.Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to clarify the utility of PIG applying PMMCF in reducing post-operative complications due to salvage total laryngectomy (STL).Material and methods: STL was performed in 59 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy, comprising 37 non-PMMCF patients and 22 PMMCF patients. The primary endpoint was PCF rate. Comparisons were made between two groups: a group with simple closure not using PMMCF (non-PMMCF group), and the other with PMMCF used in a PIG (PMMCF group).Results: PCF occurred in 15 of the 59 subjects (25.4%), including 13 of the 37 patients in the non-PMMCF group (35.1%) and 2 of the 22 patients in the PMMCF group (9.1%). PCF rate was significantly lower in the PMMCF group than in the non-PMMCF group (p = .033).Conclusions and significance: We demonstrated that PIG applying PMMCF significantly reduced the PCF rate due to STL. In the future, surgeons need to conduct research focused on additional innovations to reduce post-operative complications as much as possible.

Salvage total laryngectomy: is a flap necessary?

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.

Post-operative complications of salvage total laryngectomy forpost-radiotherapy recurrent laryngeal cancer using pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps.

BACKGROUND: Salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer recurring after radiotherapy is difficult and complications readily occur. Our institution has adopted the pharyngeal interposition graft (PIG) using a pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap, which has copious blood flow, for preventing post-irradiation pharyngocutaneous fistula. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of post-operative complications of salvage total laryngectomy (STL) using the PMMC flap for post-radiotherapy recurrent laryngeal cancer at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From among 162 patients with laryngeal cancer who had been treated at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between January 2014 and March 2018, we enrolled 11 patients who had undergone STL applying a PMMC flap. We examined patient backgrounds (age, gender, subtype, stage), initial therapy (radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy), radiation dose, irradiation area, surgery type (with/without neck dissection) and postoperative complications. RESULTS: No severe systemic complications were encountered. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred as a severe local complication in one patient (8.3%) and wound infection as a mild local complication in one patient (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of post-operative complications following STL tended to be lower at our institution than those reported for other institutions. SIGNIFICANCE: PIG may be a useful surgical procedure in STL.

Use of pectoralis major myofascial flap on the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fístula in salvage laryngectomy after chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Pharyngocutaneous fístula (PCF) is a major complication of salvage laryngectomies, mainly secondary to the effect of radiotherapy. Aims/objectives: Our main objective is to study the effect of pectoralis major myofascial flap (PMMF) on the prevention of PCF. Materials and methods: We studied all total laryngectomies (TL) performed between 2001 and 2018, noting the use of previous chemoradiation, the type of suture and the use of flaps. We recorded and compared the incidence of PCF in all groups. Results: A total of 146 patients were included, divided into a primary TL group (117 patients) and salvage TL (29 patients). PMMF was used in 62% of salvage TLs. The rates of PCF were 5.98% in primary TL and 17.2% in salvage procedures. Among the salvage TL group, in patients with pharyngeal closure alone, a PCF developed in 36.4% of cases, compared to 5.56% in the PMMF group. We found a similar rate of fistulae when comparing primary TL and salvage TL with PMMF, highlighting the protective effect of the flap. Conclusions and significance: The use of PMMF in salvage TL reduces the incidence of PCF, achieving a rate similar to that attained with primary TL.

Salvage total laryngectomy after conservation laryngeal surgery for recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oncological efficacy of salvage total laryngectomy in patients who had previously undergone supracricoid partial laryngectomy or transoral laser microsurgery for treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed the medical, surgical and pathological records of 35 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy after recurrence of laryngeal cancer (following supracricoid partial laryngectomy or transoral laser microsurgery). Kaplan-Meier survival curves as well as univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed. No statistically significant differences were seen comparing the supracricoid partial laryngectomy group with the transoral laser microsurgery group for overall survival and disease-specific survival at 3 years (OS = 38% vs. 52%, p = 0.16; DSS = 40% vs. 61%, p = 0.057) or locoregional control at 2 years (LRC = 40% vs. 54%, p = 0.056). A trend indicating worse survival and locoregional control for supracricoid partial laryngectomy patients emerged. Preservation of the osteocartilaginous frame in transoral laser microsurgery could hypothetically result in better salvageability of anterior recurrences with extralaryngeal spread.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy: analysis of risk factors, prognosis and treatment modalities.

The aim of this study was to establish the incidence, risk factors, and the management of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after primary and salvage total laryngectomy. A retrospective, match-paired analysis of 86 patients who developed fistula after total laryngectomy was carried out and compared with a control group of 86 patients without fistula, randomly selected from a pool of 352 total laryngectomies, performed between January 1999 to October 2014. The overall incidence of PCF in the series was 24.4%; we recorded rates of 19.0%, 28.6% and 30.3% following primary total laryngectomy (PTL), salvage laryngectomy post-radiotherapy (RT-STL) and salvage laryngectomy postchemoradiotherapy (CRT-STL), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the relative risk of fistula was respectively 2.47, 3.09 and 7.69 for hypoalbuminaemia ≤3.5 g/dL, RT-STL and CRT-STL. An early onset of PCF within 10 postoperative days was recorded in case of salvage total laryngectomy. The management of PCF significantly differed between PTL, RT-STL and CTRT-STL, with exclusive conservative treatment for PTL (93.55%), while in the CRT-STL group surgical closure with regional flaps (58.82%) prevailed. Conservative management, adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical closure were equally distributed in the RT-STL group. Thorough knowledge of patient-related risk factors and its prognostic value, allows the surgeon to better evaluate preventive strategies with the aim of minimising fistula formation, hospitalisation times and related costs.

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.