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.

Nonsurgical Risk Factors Associated With Pharyngocutaneous Fistula in Patients Who Have Undergone Laryngectomy.

Importance: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a serious complication after total laryngectomy. Despite the well-described clinical risk factors for PCF and its association with poor quality of life, there is a paucity of data on the nonclinical factors that may be associated with this complication. Objective: To determine whether nonclinical risk factors (eg, age, sex, race and ethnicity) are associated with an increased risk of developing a PCF after total laryngectomy, and whether or not the method of reconstruction explains any differences found. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective multicenter cohort study used data from a nationally validated, risk-adjusted, outcomes-based, surgical quality improvement database (the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) to examine outcomes in patients who underwent a total laryngectomy from 2005 to 2018. The database was queried from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018; data analyses were performed from September 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was development of a PCF within 30 days of a total laryngectomy. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, comorbidities, and mode of reconstruction, were analyzed. Results: A cohort of 1573 adult patients (median age [IQR], 63 [56-71] years; 1280 [81.4%] men; 293 [18.6%] women; 1001 [63.6%] non-Hispanic White individuals) had undergone a total laryngectomy during the study period and were included in the analyses. The overall rate of PCF formation was 4.3% (68 of 1573 patients). Hispanic patients had the highest rate (9.5%; 9 of 95 patients) of PCF formation, which was more than twice the rate among non-Hispanic White patients (3.8%; 38 of 1001) and non-Hispanic Black patients (4.7%; 11 of 236). After adjusting for clinical and other covariates, women were 1.9 times more likely to develop a PCF compared with men (adjusted odds ratio, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.08-3.35). We also found that the odds of developing a PCF were 3-fold higher among Hispanic patients compared with non-Hispanic White patients (adjusted odds ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.36-6.47). The type of reconstruction did not differ across age or race and ethnicity after controlling for clinical risk factors. Conclusions and Relevance: This multicenter cohort study found that 2 nonclinical risk factors-Hispanic ethnicity and female sex-were associated with an increased risk of PCF formation. Knowledge of these risk factors should be included in patient-physician decision-making as well as future interventions to decrease the rate of PCF formation after laryngectomy.

Pre- and intraoperative acoustic and functional assessment of the novel APrevent® VOIS implant during routine medialization thyroplasty.

PURPOSE: Persistent unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UFVP) with glottal insufficiency often requires type I medialization thyroplasty (MT). Previous implants cannot be adjusted postoperatively if necessary. The newly developed APrevent® VOIS implant (VOIS) can provide postoperative re-adjustment to avoid revision MT. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the VOIS intraoperatively concerning voice improvement, surgical feasibility and device handling. METHODS: During routine MT, VOIS was applied short time in eight patients before the regular implantation of the Titanium Vocal Fold Medialization Implant (TVFMI™). In all patients, perceptual voice sound analysis using R(oughness)-B(reathiness)-H(oarseness)-scale, measurement of M(aximum)-P(honation)-T(ime) and glottal closure in videolaryngoscopy were performed before and after implanting VOIS/TVFMI™. Acoustic analyses of voice recordings were performed using freeware praat. Surgical feasibility, operative handling and device fitting of VOIS and TVFMI™ were assessed by the surgeon using V(isual)-A(nalog)-S(cale). Data were statistically analyzed with paired t test. RESULT: All patients showed significant improvement of voice sound parameters after VOIS/TVFMI™ implantation. The mean RBH-scale improved from preoperative R = 2.1, B = 2.3, H = 2.5 to R = 0.6, B = 0.3, H = 0.8 after VOIS and R = 0.5, B = 0.3, H = 0.8 after TVFMI™ implantation. The mean MPT increased from preoperative 7.9 to 14.6 s after VOIS and 13.8 s after TVFMI™ implantation. VOIS/TVFMI™ achieved complete glottal closure in 7/8 patients. The satisfaction with intraoperative device fitting and device handling of VOIS was as good as that of TVFMI™. CONCLUSION: The novel APrevent® VOIS implant showed similar intraoperative voice improvement compared to routinely used TVFMI™ without adverse device events and with safe device fitting.

The prevalence and types of oral- and pharyngeal-stage dysphagia in patients with demyelinating diseases based on subjective assessment by the study subjects.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that dysphagia is a common problem in patients with demyelinating diseases. However, there are no published studies on dysphagia in this group of patients, which would include the individual phases or the safety and effectiveness of the swallowing process. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of swallowing disorders and to characterize them based on subjective assessment by the study subjects with multiple sclerosis and Devic's syndrome. METHOD: The study included 72 patients (47 F, 25 M). Patients at risk of dysphagia were identified using the DYMUS, EAT-10 and SDQ questionnaires. To assess the type of oral- and pharyngeal-stage dysphagia, questions in the questionnaires were classified into groups according to symptoms typical of each stage. RESULTS: The risk of dysphagia and the need for instrumental examination were identified in 37.5% of the study subjects. Pharyngeal-stage dysphagia (repeated swallowing, increased effort of swallowing, cough, a feeling of food sticking in the throat) was reported to occur at a significantly higher frequency. However, no differences were found between difficulty in swallowing liquids and difficulty in swallowing solid food. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further research, which should include a detailed dysphagia-oriented diagnosis, with a view to gaining a detailed insight into the pathophysiology of deglutition in this group of patients.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the modified ENT assessment score (ENTAS 2) in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a prospective randomised trial.

OBJECTIVES: Ears nose and throat (ENT) involvement is found on a substantial proportion of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Structured, reliable ENT assessment is essential in the management of GPA patients. It is the aim of this study to determine the repeatability (intra-rater reliability) and reproducibility (inter-rater reliability) of the ENT Assessment Score (ENTAS 2). METHODS: The ENTAS 2 built the fundament of the prospective randomized trial. Anamnestic, video endoscopic and diagnostic data of 47 patients were used. A single assessor reference was created. GPA/ENT activity and damage were evaluated by three physicians at two time points (T1/T2). GPA/ENT activity was evaluated in dichotomy (yes/no) and grading (none/mild/moderate/high) and GPA/ ENT damage in dichotomy. RESULTS: ENTAS 2 activity evaluations intra-rater reliability was 80.7% (κ=0.56) in dichotomy and 72.8% (κ=0.41) in grading. ENTAS 2 damage evaluations showed 87.8% (κ=0.74) intra-rater reliability. ENTAS 2 activity inter-rater reliability at T1 was 62.2% (κ=0.43) in dichotomy and 51.1% (κ=0.29) in grading, at T2 it was 68.2% (κ=0.48) in dichotomy and 55.32% (κ=0.33) in grading. Inter-rater reliability of ENTAS 2 damage evaluation was 84.4% (κ=0.79) at T1 and 72.5% (κ=0.64) at T2. CONCLUSIONS: ENTAS 2 intra-rater reliability was high in dichotomous and graded GPA/ENT activity and damage evaluations. Inter-rater reliability was high in dichotomous activity and damage evaluations, but low in graded activity evaluations. The data demonstrate that the ENTAS 2 is a reliable score-system considering GPA/ENT activity and damage evaluations.

Knowledge of Nairobi East District Community Health Workers concerning HIV-related orofacial lesions and other common oral lesions.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related orofacial lesions (HROLs) impact negatively on the health of patients and could be managed at primary healthcare (PHC) level. Community health workers (CHWs) are crucial in optimal patient management through patient identification, education and early referral for professional care. The study objective was to assess knowledge of Nairobi East district CHWs regarding HROLs and other common oral diseases. METHODS: Of the total population of CHWs, 815 [94.5%] completed a 56-item questionnaire covering 5 topics: general dental knowledge, knowledge about HROLs, past encounters with HROLs, current care at community level, opinions regarding oral health problems; and items concerning background characteristics and past training activities. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed Cronbach's alpha coefficient values of 0.45, 0.59, 0.79, 0.50 and 0.09 respectively. The first four topics were confirmed as domains. Mean minimum score was 0 and mean maximum score was 1 for each variable. However, for 'past encounters with HROLs, the minimum score was 0 and maximum score was 5. RESULTS: CHWs had moderate knowledge about general oral health (mean = 0.47) and HROLs (mean = 0.43). None had been formally trained in oral health aspects. Although they had high opinions regarding their role in identifying, educating and referring patients with HROLs (mean = 0.80) to the health facilities, they actually rarely referred such patients. CONCLUSIONS: CHWs need training for building competence in promoting oral health among general and HIV patients in their communities and in early identification and management of non-HIV oral lesions.

Effect of tonsillectomy on health-related quality of life and costs.

CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy (TE) seems to be a cost-saving procedure with a positive effect on a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore how TE affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the costs due to health service use and absence from work. METHODS: All 557 patients over the age of 15 years undergoing scheduled TE in the Helsinki University Central Hospital's Otorhinolaryngological Department between February 2008 and June 2009 were asked to participate and to complete the 15D HRQoL questionnaire as well as a questionnaire exploring the use of health-care services during the preceding 3 months. Follow-up questionnaires were sent 6 and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: Of the 557 patients, 124 (22%) answered all three questionnaires. Preoperatively the patients were significantly worse off than the age- and gender-standardized general population. TE improved their HRQoL on 6 of the 15 dimensions, and overall (15D score improved from baseline 0.939 to 0.959 at 12 months, p < 0.001). The most marked improvement (p < 0.001) occurred on the dimensions of breathing, sleeping, and discomfort and symptoms. Self-reported costs due to health service use and absence from work distinctly diminished.

[Radio-induced oral and pharyngeal mucositis: management updates]. / Mucites radio-induites buccopharyngées : actualités sur la prise en charge.

Mucositis is a major side effect induced by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy of head and neck cancer. This toxicity impacts patient's quality of life and may compromise optimal treatments. Pathophysiology, risk factors, incidence and consequences of mucositis will be discussed in this review. Its management remains principally supportive (pain medication and nutritional support); however, in recent years several studies have revealed that the use of low level energy laser is particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of chemo- and radio-induced mucositis.

Assessment and incidence of salivary leak following laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the incidence and risk factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation in patients undergoing either primary or salvage laryngectomies and evaluate the role of barium esophagram in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Medical records of 259 patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 2003 and 2009 at our institution were reviewed. Risk factors for fistula formation were analyzed, including primary treatment modality, comorbidities, and operative details, which included use of a free flap for closure, concurrent neck dissections, margin status, and preoperative tracheostomy. The length of time until leak, postoperative swallow study results, and fistula management strategies were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula (overall incidence, 21%) in a median time of 12 days (range, 4-105 days). Twenty of these patients underwent laryngectomy as their initial treatment modality, and 35 had failed previous radiotherapy. Fistula formation was significantly higher in salvage surgery patients (P = .03), particularly those with hypothyroidism (P < .0002). A barium swallow performed at approximately 1 week after laryngectomy demonstrated a sensitivity of 26% with a specificity of 94%. Sixty-two percent of the fistulas healed with conservative measures only. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed that previous radiotherapy and hypothyroidism, particularly in salvage laryngectomy patients, are important significant predictors of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula. The use of a postoperative barium swallow in these patients may be useful but was not found to be highly sensitive in predicting who will develop a clinically evident leak and should be used with caution.

Postoperative assessment of laryngopharyngeal dysfunction in neonates after Norwood operation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of vocal cord (VC) and swallowing dysfunction in infants after the Norwood operation and to examine the relationship between laryngopharyngeal dysfunction and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 63 infants who underwent routine postoperative fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing function and vocal cords after a Norwood operation at our institution during a recent 6-year period (2003-2009). RESULTS: The overall incidence of VC dysfunction after the Norwood operation was 58.7%. After a modification of the aortic arch dissection technique in 2007, the incidence of VC dysfunction decreased significantly from 79.5% in 2003 through 2006 to 25% in 2007 through 2009 (p<0.001). The incidence of swallowing dysfunction also decreased from 23.1% in 2003 through 2006 to 4.2% in 2007 through 2009 (p=0.07). Swallowing dysfunction was more common in patients with VC dysfunction (21.6%) as compared with patients without VC dysfunction (7.7%; p=0.18). Patients with VC dysfunction were more often discharged home on tube-only feeding regimens compared with infants without VC dysfunction (46% versus 26.9%). In infants with both VC and swallowing dysfunction, 75% were discharged exclusively to have tube feeding. Median hospital length of stay tended to be longer in infants with swallowing dysfunction (31 days) than in infants without swallowing dysfunction (23 days; p=0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Vocal cord and swallowing dysfunction are common in infants after the Norwood operation and may increase the need for tube feeding regimens. Modification of surgical techniques for dissection and mobilization of the aorta can significantly reduce the incidence of these adverse outcomes.

A systematic review of oral fungal infections in patients receiving cancer therapy.

PURPOSE: The aims of this systematic review were to determine, in patients receiving cancer therapy, the prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection and fungal colonization, to determine the impact on quality of life and cost of care, and to review current management strategies for oral fungal infections. METHODS: Thirty-nine articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were independently reviewed by two calibrated reviewers, each using a standard form. Information was extracted on a number of variables, including study design, study population, sample size, interventions, blinding, outcome measures, methods, results, and conclusions for each article. Areas of discrepancy between the two reviews were resolved by consensus. Studies were weighted as to the quality of the study design, and recommendations were based on the relative strength of each paper. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the weighted prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection and fungal colonization. RESULTS: For all cancer treatments, the weighted prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection was found to be 7.5% pre-treatment, 39.1% during treatment, and 32.6% after the end of cancer therapy. Head and neck radiotherapy and chemotherapy were each independently associated with a significantly increased risk for oral fungal infection. For all cancer treatments, the prevalence of oral colonization with fungal organisms was 48.2% before treatment, 72.2% during treatment, and 70.1% after treatment. The prophylactic use of fluconazole during cancer therapy resulted in a prevalence of clinical fungal infection of 1.9%. No information specific to oral fungal infections was found on quality of life or cost of care. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased risk of clinically significant oral fungal infection during cancer therapy. Systemic antifungals are effective in the prevention of clinical oral fungal infection in patients receiving cancer therapy. Currently available topical antifungal agents are less efficacious, suggesting a need for better topical agents.

Hydrogen peroxide aids assessment of pharyngeal closure after laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a serious complication following total laryngectomy. We report a simple technique which is useful in assessing the adequacy of pharyngeal closure following total laryngectomy. METHOD: Installation of 1.5 per cent hydrogen peroxide into the oral cavity, while observing for leakage at the pharyngeal repair. RESULTS: We have found this technique to be useful in 22 patients undergoing total laryngectomy with pharyngeal resection and neck dissection. CONCLUSION: This method ensures that pharyngeal closure has been technically adequate.

The assessment of pharyngocutaneous fistula rate in patients treated primarily with definitive radiotherapy followed by salvage surgery of the larynx and hypopharynx.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether definitive radiotherapy prior to surgery increases the rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) following laryngectomy or hypopharyngectomy and to determine if differences in duration of time between definitive radiotherapy and surgery alters PCF rate. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 152 patients treated surgically for primary laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Following previous definitive radiotherapy treatment 38 patients underwent salvage surgery and 114 patients underwent primary surgery with curative intent. The PCF rate was assessed in both groups. RESULTS: The rate of PCF was found to be significantly higher in the salvage surgery group than those undergoing primary surgery (34.2% vs. 15.7%) (P < .05). Fistula rate was also higher in the subgroup that received concurrent chemoradiation to radiotherapy alone (P = .002). The patients who developed PCF in the salvage surgery group had significantly lower median time to surgery (5.8 months) than the nonfistula group (9.8 months) (P = .032). PCF rate was 75% within 4 months of radiotherapy to salvage surgery compared to 25% after 4 months (P = .034). Within 12 months of radiotherapy this percentage was 48% compared to 0% after 12 months (P = .014). The median radiotherapy dose was significantly higher in those whose surgery was complicated by PCF (70 Gy) compared to patients who did not develop a fistula (64 Gy) (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing salvage surgery within 12 months, and in particular within 4 months, who have received high dose radiotherapy (>64 Gy) or concurrent chemoradiation are at high risk of developing PCF.

Early oral feeding following total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether, in a developing world context, early oral feeding after laryngectomy is safe, cost-effective and appropriate. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of early oral feeding after laryngectomy, compared with retrospective, historical delayed feeding controls. METHOD: Forty patients underwent total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx with or without hypopharyngeal involvement, not requiring tongue base resection or myocutaneous flaps, and were commenced on oral feeding on the second post-operative day. Thirty-nine laryngectomy patients previously managed in the same unit who had received conventional, delayed oral feeding served as controls. RESULTS: Pharyngocutaneous fistulae developed in 20 per cent of the early feeding patients, compared with 15.4 per cent of the delayed oral feeding controls (p = 0.592). For patients who did not develop fistulae, hospitalisation was shorter in the early oral feeding group (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Early oral feeding for laryngectomy patients is recommended, both in developed and developing countries.

[The management of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy and the factors affecting their incidence]. / Total larenjektomi sonrasi farengokutanöz fistül gelisimini etkileyen faktörler ve fistül tedavisine yaklasimimiz.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the incidence and etiologic factors of pharyngocutaneous fistulas occurring after total laryngectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 138 patients (136 males, 2 females; mean age 59.5 years; range 36 to 83 years) underwent total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors and the management of pharyngocutaneous fistulas were assessed together with durations in relation to fistula occurrence, oral feeding, hospitalization, and healing. RESULTS: Pharyngocutaneous fistulas were seen in 37 patients (26.8%). Significantly high rates of fistula occurrence were detected in patients with alcohol consumption (p=0.032), and in those who underwent partial pharyngectomy (p=0.058) or bilateral neck dissection (p=0.049) along with total laryngectomy. The occurrence of fistulas was significantly associated with prolonged lengths of time for oral feeding and hospital stay (p<0.001). Fistulas were repaired surgically in 24.3% of patients, in whom the time to oral feeding was significantly shorter than that of patients who received local wound care (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Our data show that early surgical intervention is more beneficial in preventing further morbidity associated with pharyngocutaneous fistulas.

Prevention of postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula: the Memorial University experience.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a pectoralis major myogenous flap in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Our secondary objective was to estimate the economic saving to our health care system. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Grace General Hospital, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, H. Bliss Murphy Cancer and Research Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-three consecutive total laryngectomy procedures performed between June 1978 and December 2001 were reviewed. The fistula rate in laryngectomy patients prior to 1988 without pectoralis major myogenous flaps (group A) was compared with that of patients after June 1988 who had this flap routinely used at primary surgery (group B). Analysis of risk factors within those two groups was essentially similar. RESULTS: In group A, the overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was 22.9%. The fistula rate in group B was less than 1%. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that at our tertiary care head and neck oncology centre, we have dramatically decreased the incidence of postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula. By the routine addition of a pectoralis major myogenous flap to cover the pharyngeal defect at surgery, we have substantially and dramatically reduced patient morbidity and mortality and reduced hospital stay, with major financial savings to the health care system.

The reliability of the assessment of endoscopic laryngeal findings associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of the assessment of laryngoscopic findings potentially associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized blinded study. METHODS: One hundred twenty video segments of rigid fiberoptic laryngeal examinations were prospectively analyzed by five otolaryngologists blinded to patient information and were scored according to several variables potentially associated with LPRD. Separate assessments of the degree of erythema and degree of edema were scored on a five-point scale for the anterior commissure, membranous vocal fold, and interarytenoid region. Similarly, interarytenoid pachydermia, likelihood of LPRD involvement, and severity of LPRD findings were assessed. For each of these scored physical findings, inter-rater and intrarater reliabilities were determined. RESULTS: The inter-rater reliabilities of the laryngoscopic findings associated with LPRD were poor. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.161 and 0.461 for edema of the arytenoids and membranous vocal folds, respectively (P <.001). Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.181 and 0.369 for erythema of the arytenoids and membranous vocal folds, respectively (P <.001). Raters demonstrated poor agreement as to the severity of LPRD findings (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.265) and the likelihood of an LPRD component for dysphonia (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.248). Similarly, intrarater reliability was extremely variable for the various physical findings, with Kendall correlation coefficients ranging from -0.121 to 0.837. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate clinical assessment of laryngeal involvement with LPRD is likely to be difficult because laryngeal physical findings cannot be reliably determined from clinician to clinician. Such variability makes the precise laryngoscopic diagnosis of LPRD highly subjective.

A comparison of resource costs for head and neck reconstruction with free and pectoralis major flaps.

A series of 178 immediate reconstructions with regional or distant tissue for repair of oropharyngeal defects caused by treatment of head and neck cancer was reviewed to determine whether reconstruction with free flaps was more or less expensive than reconstruction with regional myocutaneous flaps. In this series, three types of flaps were used: the radial forearm free flap (n = 89), the rectus abdominis free flap (n = 56), and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (n = 33). Resource costs were determined by adding all costs to the institution of providing each service studied using salaried employees (including physicians). The two free-flap groups were combined to compare free flaps with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, a regional myocutaneous flap. Failure rates in the two groups were similar (3.0 percent for pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, 3.4 percent for free flaps). The mean costs of surgery were slightly higher for the free flaps, but the subsequent hospital stay costs were lower. Therefore, the total mean resource cost for the free-flap group ($28,460) was lower than the cost for the myocutaneous flap group ($40,992). The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap may have been selected for more patients with advanced disease and systemic medical problems, contributing to longer hospitalization and added cost. Nevertheless, this study suggests that free flaps are not more expensive than other methods and may provide cost savings for selected patients.

The techniques of nonmuscular closure of hypopharyngeal defect following total laryngectomy: the assessment of complication and pharyngoesophageal segment.

The usual method of reconstructing a hypopharyngeal defect during total laryngectomy includes pharyngeal muscle layer closure, which may result in high pharyngoesophageal pressure. We hypothesize that nonclosure of the pharyngeal muscle can reduce the pressure of the pharyngoesophageal segment which can reduce the chances of the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistulae. A technique of nonmuscular closure of a hypopharyngeal defect is presented. The differences in the rate of fistula formation and swallowing function between patients with usual and nonmuscular closure were also studied. Sixty consecutive laryngectomees were enrolled in this study. Thirty patients received usual closure after total laryngectomy, whereas the other 30 patients underwent non closure of their pharyngeal muscles. One patient (3.3 per cent) in the nonmuscular closure group and three patients (10 per cent) in the usual closure group developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula. The pharyngoesophageal pressures of the nonmuscular closure group were significantly lower than those of the usual closure group. We conclude that the technique of nonclosure of the pharyngeal constrictor muscle after total laryngectomy is relatively more simple and is not associated with a higher rate of fistula formation. Furthermore, nonclosure of the pharyngeal constrictor muscle is preferable to muscular closure because it reduces the spasm of the pharyngoesophageal segment which limits voice rehabilitation.