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.

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.

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.

Sentinel ear bleed as a presenting sign for carotid artery blowout due to aspergillus abscess in parapharyngeal space in an immunocompetent infant.

Parapharyngeal abscesses leading to complications, although rare after the advent of antibiotics, can lead to serious complications. One such complication is carotid erosion that can lead to a potentially fatal carotid artery blowout. We report a case of a previously healthy infant who presented with fever, ear bleed and progressively increasing swelling in the right side of his neck that led to airway compromise. The child required immediate securing of the airway at presentation. Imaging revealed lobulated abscess with multiple bleeding points eroding the carotid vessels, along with internal jugular venous thrombus. Surgical exploration was done and abscess debulked. Histopathology revealed aspergillus, which was treated with antifungals. He was discharged on oral warfarin after 40 days of hospital stay and remains well on follow-up. Sentinel ear bleed warrants close observation for possibility of carotid artery blowout in children with parapharyngeal abscesses.

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.

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).

Novel techniques for prevention of post-operative pharyngocutaneous fistula in locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common complications following total laryngectomy. It increases hospital stay and the financial burden on patients, and prolongs nasogastric feeding. This paper presents novel techniques for prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre to assess the effectiveness of continuous extramucosal pharyngeal suturing and the hydrogen peroxide leak test in prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in 59 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy with or without partial pharyngectomy for locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx. RESULTS: The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in our study was 6.8 per cent, which is considerably lower than the incidence reported in various previous studies. CONCLUSION: The continuous extramucosal suturing technique provides watertight closure of the neopharynx and can be recommended as a reliable method for neopharyngeal closure post total laryngectomy to reduce the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Development of a nomogram for predicting pharyngocutaneous fistula based on skeletal muscle mass and systemic inflammation indices.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers often require surgical treatment, which can lead to the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Our research aimed to assess the predictive value of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and systemic inflammation indices for PCF and construct a clinically effective nomogram. METHODS: A nested case-control study of 244 patients matched from 1171 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer was conducted. SMM was measured at the third cervical level based on CT scans. A PCF nomogram was developed based on the univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Glucose, white blood cell count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and skeletal muscle index were independent risk factors for PCF. The area under the curve for the PCF nomogram was 0.841 (95% CI 0.786-0.897). The calibration and decision curves indicated that the nomogram was well-calibrated with good clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram we constructed may help clinicians predict PCF risk early in the postoperative period, pending external validation.

Early detection of pharyngocutaneous fistulae after total laryngectomy by cytokine in drainage: A pilot study (DEFILAC).

BACKGROUND: The determination of cytokines in the postoperative drainage (POD) fluid could be a method for early detection of the development of a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective two-center study involving 28 patients. PODs were collected on Day 1 (D1) and Day 2 (D2) postoperatively for determination of a cytokine panel and cytobacteriological examination. RESULTS: Eleven (39%) patients presented with PCF on average 13 ± 5.5 days after surgery. Patients with PCF had higher IL-10 (121 vs. 40.3, p = 0.04, effect size (ES) = 0.98 [0.16, 1.79]) and TNFα level (21.2 vs. 2.2, p = 0.02, ES = 0.83 [0.03, 1.63]) on D2. An IL-10 threshold of 72 pg/mL on D2 was diagnostic of the occurrence of PCF with a sensibility of 70%, specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: The determination of cytokines in POD fluid on D2 is a reliable tool for predicting the development of a PCF after total laryngectomy.

Postoperative Pharyngeal Fistula Diagnosed by Prone Position Computed Tomography With Oral Contrast Agent: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A pharyngeal fistula is the most common complication of total laryngectomy; thus, accurate diagnosis and treatment are important. Diagnosis is usually made by the finding of leakage of the contrast agent outside the pharynx during swallowing contrast examination. Herein, we encountered a case in which fine leaks not detected on contrast examination during swallowing were visualized and diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) imaging with oral contrast media with the patient in a prone position. CASE REPORT: During imaging in a prone position, the contrast agent entered the sutures on the cephalocaudal and ventral sides of the surgical site, which were particularly prone to leaks due to gravity, and it was possible to diagnose minute leaks. When there is a high risk of postoperative pharyngeal fistula, such as in reconstructive cases with a pedunculated flap or with overlapping risk factors such as preoperative irradiation, CT imaging with contrast medium in a prone position is considered useful when swallowing contrast examination does not provide a clear diagnosis. However, suture failure is possible, and this should be evaluated. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that routine prone CT may lead to the early detection of postoperative pharyngeal fistula in high-risk cases. Further accumulation of cases is required to confirm our findings.

A review of pharyngocutaneous fistula management in head and neck malignancies.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a serious complication after head and neck reconstruction and concurrent chemoradiotherapy, yet no consensus or practical protocols regarding the surgical timing and specific procedures could be found in the current literature. The authors aimed to review their clinical experience in surgical management and develop an algorithmic approach accordingly. A retrospective review of all hypopharyngeal cancer patients who developed pharyngocutaneous fistula during 2017 to 2021 at E-Da Hospital was conducted. Seventeen patients developed pharyngocutaneous fistula in all 321 pharyngeal cancer admissions during this period. Three patients received interventions at acute stage (≤2 weeks), with two direct repairs Three patients received interventions at acute stage (≤2 weeks), with two direct repairs and one regional flap coverage then negative pressure wound therapy. Nine received interventions at subacute stages (2 weeks to 3 months), with 4 resolved after debridement and direct repair yet another 4 underwent regional flap reconstruction and 1 free flap reconstruction. Five chronic fistula (>3 months) received secondary reconstructions utilizing a double-layered repair of local turn-over flaps for the internal mucosal opening and another flap harvest (four regional flaps and one free flap) to cover the outer skin defect. All patients after the palliative surgery achieved complete remission of fistula at follow follow-up. Different conservative and surgical approaches should be adopted according to the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of pharyngocutaneous fistula after palliative head and neck reconstructions.

Staged neck dissection prior to transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer: does it reduce post-operative complication rates? A multi-centre study of 104 patients.

PURPOSE: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become increasingly recognised as a safe and effective treatment for early oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, often performed in conjunction with neck dissection (ND) and vessel ligation. It has been proposed that performing the neck dissection in a staged fashion prior to TORS results in low rates of transoral haemorrhage and pharyngocutaneous fistula, and may aid in TORS patient selection by eliminating patients who would require multi-modality treatment based on nodal pathology. This study aims to assess the effect of staged neck dissection with TORS in mitigating pharyngocutaneous fistulae and post-operative haemorrhage as well as the impact of staged ND on TORS patient selection. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of patients undergoing staged ND with intent to proceed to TORS at two Australian hospitals between 2014 and 2022. Incidence of post-operative haemorrhage and pharyngocutaneous fistula and length of inpatient stay was identified. The number of patients who did not proceed to TORS was recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients were identified who underwent staged neck dissection with an intention to proceed to TORS. Six patients did not proceed to TORS following pathological assessment of the neck dissection specimen and ninety-eight patients (91 primary, 7 salvage) underwent TORS. There were six cases of secondary haemorrhage (one major, two intermediate and three minor). There were no cases of pharyngocutaneous fistula. CONCLUSION: Staged neck dissection prior to TORS results in low rates of haemorrhage and pharyngocutaneous fistula and can improve TORS patient selection.

Gastrostomy dependence following pharyngolaryngectomy: The effect of preoperative tube insertion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of preoperative gastrostomy in patients undergoing pharyngolaryngectomy (PL) on gastrostomy tube dependence at 6 months postoperatively. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing PL for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2005 and 2019 was performed. Parameters were collected and analyzed within the multivariate models. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (82% male, mean age 63.4 [SD 9.4]) were included. Preoperative tube placement and pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) were associated with an increased likelihood of gastrostomy tube dependence at 6 months (odds ratio 6.43, CI 1.1-38.3, p = 0.041) after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. There was no difference in the incidence of delayed oral feeding, PCF, or hospital stay between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative tube and PCF are associated with an increased likelihood of tube dependence at 6 months. Patients for preoperative tube insertion should be carefully selected and early oral feeding reintroduction should be encouraged.

Pharyngeal Reconstruction Methods to Reduce the Risk of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Primary Total Laryngectomy: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The most common early postoperative complication after total laryngectomy (TL) is pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Rates of PCF are higher in patients who undergo salvage TL compared with primary TL. Published meta-analyses include heterogeneous studies making the conclusions difficult to interpret. The objectives of this scoping review were to explore the reconstructive techniques potentially available for primary TL and to clarify which could be the best technique for each clinical scenario. METHODS: A list of available reconstructive techniques for primary TL was built and the potential comparisons between techniques were identified. A PubMed literature search was performed from inception to August 2022. Only case-control, comparative cohort, or randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included. RESULTS: A meta-analysis of seven original studies showed a PCF risk difference (RD) of 14% (95% CI 8-20%) favoring stapler closure over manual suture. In a meta-analysis of 12 studies, we could not find statistically significant differences in PCF risk between primary vertical suture and T-shaped suture. Evidence for other pharyngeal closure alternatives is scarce. CONCLUSION: We could not identify differences in the rate of PCF between continuous and T-shape suture configuration. Stapler closure seems to be followed by a lower rate of PCF than manual suture in those patients that are good candidates for this technique.

Perioperative Factors Aggravating Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis Using the Clavien-Dindo Classification.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula formation represents a major postoperative complication following total laryngectomy. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula development after total laryngectomy and to identify factors that lead to severe cases of pharyngocutaneous fistula. METHODS: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy between January 2013 and February 2021 were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups: Those with and without pharyngocutaneous fistula. The severity of pharyngocutaneous fistula was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Patients with pharyngocutaneous fistula experienced longer operative time, greater intraoperative blood loss, greater decrease in perioperative hemoglobin level, and longer postoperative hospitalization. Unlike in lower-severity cases, patients with grade IIIb pharyngocutaneous fistula underwent preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy; preoperative treatment was thus a risk factor for higher severity of pharyngocutaneous fistula (odds ratio, 35; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Salvage laryngectomy was found to be a predictor of severe pharyngocutaneous fistula development. Prolonged operative time, increased intraoperative blood loss, and decreased postoperative hemoglobin level were found to be predictors of postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula formation.

Effect of possible risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas and surgical wound infection: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis study to assess the effect of possible risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinoma. A comprehensive literature examination till January 2023 was implemented and 1794 linked studies were appraised. The picked studies contained 3140 subjects with total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas in the picked studies' baseline, 760 of them were PCF, and 2380 were no PCF. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the consequence of possible risk factors for PCF after total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas and surgical wound infection after total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinoma by the dichotomous and continuous styles and a fixed or random model. The PCF had a significantly higher surgical wound infection (OR, 6.34; 95% CI, 1.89-21.27, P = .003) compared with the no PCF in total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas. The smoking (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.61, P = .008), and preoperative radiation (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.37-2.65, P < .001) had significantly higher PCF as a risk factor in total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas. The preoperative radiation had a significantly lower spontaneous PCF closure (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.79, P = .01) compared with the no preoperative radiation in total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas. However, the neck dissection (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.75-2.38, P = .32), and alcohol intake (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 0.76-5.05, P = .17), had no significant effect on PCF in total laryngectomy of the PCF had a significantly higher surgical wound infection, and preoperative radiation had a significantly lower spontaneous PCF closure in total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas. Smoking and preoperative radiation were shown to be risk factors for PCF, however, neck dissection and alcohol intake were not shown to be risk factors for PCF in total laryngectomy of laryngeal carcinomas. Although precautions should be taken when commerce with the consequences because some of the picked studies for this meta-analysis was with low sample sizes.

Water soluble swallow for leak detection after total laryngectomy post radiotherapy.

AIM: Pharyngeal leak (PL) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) are serious complications following total laryngectomy and their incidence is higher in the salvage setting. The aim of this study is to describe the accuracy of water soluble swallow (WSS) to rule out salivary postoperative leak after salvage total laryngectomy (STL) to expedite start of oral intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study including patients undergoing STL between 2008 and 2021 at Guy's Hospital. WSS was routinely performed within 15 days post operation. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients underwent STL. Nine developed clinically diagnosed PCF; one died before having WSS. Fifty-six patients underwent WSS post STL. WSS was performed within 15 days after STL when no postoperative complications occurred (76.8%). Among patients undergoing WSS with no clinical suspicion for fistula (56), PL was identified in 15 cases (26.8%). They were managed conservatively; PCF was avoided in 7(46.7%) cases. Three patients (7.3%) developed PCF after having started oral intake with a negative WSS. These three cases were further analysed, 2 cases where recorded at the beginning of the studied period when less experience was available possibly leading to incorrect results. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for fistula prediction were 72.7% and 92.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the high NPV of WSS, it is safe to start oral intake after negative WSS. Further studies to evaluate its accuracy earlier on after SLT are justified taking into account the results and the impact that delayed feeding has on patient's quality of life.

Patterns of Pharyngeal Obstruction and Collapse in Obese and Nonobese Children on Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: (1) Compare proportions of collapse, obstruction, or mixed instances on drug-induced sleep endoscopy findings of obese and nonobese children with obstructive sleep disordered breathing. (2) Determine the frequency of collapse in general between both groups. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric center. METHODS: Obese (body mass index >95 percentile) children presenting with obstructive sleep disordered breathing (>33 on the pediatric sleep questionnaire) were identified from a prospectively kept surgical database. Only those who had undergone drug-induced sleep endoscopy were eligible. Age and sex pair-matched nonobese children were identified. Only nonsyndromic, neurologically normal, surgically naïve patients were included. The frequency of obstructive, collapse, and mixed pharyngeal patterns was documented in both groups. A comparison of proportions was then undertaken (χ2 test). RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 73 consecutive children with obesity were identified (40 males; mean of 8.5 ± 3.0 years, 2.8-13.1). They were matched with 73 nonobese children (8.4 ± 3.0 years, 2.6-14.1). The obese group exhibited significantly more pharyngeal collapses (62:47) (p = .0021 odds ratio [OR] 3.358, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-7.42). The proportion of pharyngeal findings on drug-induced sleep endoscopy was significantly different (p = .000129) between the 2 groups; obese (61 mixed: 3 obstruction: 9 collapse) and nonobese (48 mixed: 22 obstruction: 4 collapse). CONCLUSION: The predominance of hypopharyngeal collapse in children with obesity may explain the likelihood of failure of surgery directed at obstructive findings. This may also strengthen the case for drug-induced sleep endoscopy in this group at the initial surgery to guide it rather than after the failure of adenotonsillectomy.

Delayed Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy Caused by an Anterior Cervical Spine plate.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) caused by a previous anterior cervical spine fixation plate more than a decade ago has not been reported yet. A 70-year-old man with dysphagia was diagnosed as supraglottic cancer. After partial laryngectomy and concurrent chemoradiation, due to increasing arytenoid lesion, total laryngectomy was followed. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred but resolved spontaneously. However, retropharyngeal granulation tissue emerging from the anterior cervical spine fixation plate caused delayed PCF. Dysphagia and PCF resolved after fixation plate removal.

Endoscopic stapler versus laser diverticulotomy for Zenker's diverticulum: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A literature review and meta-analysis was performed to assess for difference in rate of complications and need for revision surgery between endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy. The hypothesis was that endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy has a lower complication rate but endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy has a lower need for revision surgery. METHOD: This was a systematic review of English-language studies comparing endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Meta-analysis of results with regard to rate of pharyngeal perforation, major post-operative complication and need for re-operation was performed. RESULTS: Nine retrospective studies were included with pooled analysis of 417 endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and 413 endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy cases. Meta-analysis found no significant difference in rate of pharyngeal perforation, major complication or need for re-operation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated both endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy to be a safe alternative to open surgery for Zenker's diverticulum. Both appear to be similar in terms of adverse events and efficacy. The authors recommend either approach, guided by surgeon's preference and experience, where patients are unsuitable for an open surgery approach.