Analysis of predisposing factors of pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas after laryngeal cancer surgery / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE To explore the predisposing factors of pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas after surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer. METHODS A retrospective study of 757 patients who underwent laryngectomy during a 10-year period was carried out. RESULTS The occurrence rate of post-laryngectomy pharyngo-cutaneous fistula was 4.2 %. Single-factor analysis showed that parameters related to the occurrence rate of post-laryngectomy pharyngo-cutaneous fistula included clinical stage of tumor, appearance of post-operative infection, undergoing of pre-operative radiotherapy, and pre-operative nutrition states. CONCLUSION Pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas appears more frequently in patients with T3 and T4 tumor and who underwent pre-operative radiotherapy. Skillful operative technique and effective prevention of post-operative infection may contribute toward reducing the incidence of pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas after surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer.