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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Post-circumcision urethrocutaneous fistulae: presentations, repairs and outcomes in a tertiary centre.

Background: Circumcision is regarded as the most common surgical procedure world over. It is also perceived to be a simple and safe procedure; however, it could be fraught with major urological complications such as urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF). Repair of these fistulae poses a great reconstructive challenge to the paediatric surgeon/urologist with varied outcomes. Aim: We seek to review the presentations, repair and outcome of post-circumcision UCFs managed in a tertiary centre. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective review of all the consecutive cases of repaired post-circumcision UCFs in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-East Nigeria, over a period of 9 years (January 2012-December 2020). Data on demography, size of fistula, type of repair and outcome were retrieved from the Records Department and patients' case notes and were analysed using SPSS (version 22, Chicago, Illinois). Results: A total of 22 boys had post-circumcision UCF repair within the period, and they were aged between 2 weeks and 108 months with a median age of 4 months at presentation and aged between 8 months and 144 months with a median age of 24 months at the time of surgery. Circumcisions were by freehand technique in 21 (95.5%). Nurses performed most of the circumcisions in 19 (86.4%), and most of the circumcisions were performed in private hospitals 7 (31.8%), maternity homes 3 (13.6%) and general hospitals in 10 (45.5%) each, respectively. Most 17 (77.3%) fistulae were coronal, and the size of defect ranged from 1 mm to 10 mm. The most commonly employed technique of repair was simple closure in 16 (72.2%). Meatal stenosis and re-fistulation occurred in 2 (9.1%) and 4 (18.2%), respectively. Only two (12.5%) required reoperation. There was no relationship between the size of defect and re-fistulation, P = 0.377. Conclusion: Majority of the Post-circumcision urethrocutaneous fistulae were from free hand technique of circumcisions . These were performed mostly by nurses in general, private hospitals and maternity homes. Hence, there is a need to ramp up training of providers of neonatal circumcision in our environment. Most UCF in children could be repaired with simple closure technique reinforced with dartos flap.

Incidence of Persistent Tracheocutaneous Fistula After Pediatric Tracheostomy Decannulation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) and identify characteristics associated with persistence. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: All successfully decannulated children (<18 years) between 2014 and 2020 at a tertiary children's hospital were included. Revision tracheostomies, concomitant major neck surgery, or single-stage laryngotracheal reconstructions were excluded. A persistent TCF was defined as a patent fistula at 6 weeks after decannulation. RESULTS: A total of 77 children met inclusion criteria with a persistent TCF incidence of 65% (50/77). Children with a persistent TCF were younger at placement (1.4 years (SD: 3.3) vs. 8.5 years (SD: 6.5), p < 0.001) and tracheostomy-dependent longer (2.8 years (SD: 1.3) vs. 0.9 years (SD: 0.7), p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, placement under 12 months of age (86% vs. 26% p < 0.001), duration of tracheostomy more than 2 years (76% vs. 11% p < 0.001), short gestation (64% vs. 26%, p = 0.002), congenital malformations (64% vs. 33%, p = 0.02), newborn complications (58% vs. 26%, p = 0.009), maternal complications (40% vs. 11%, p = 0.009) and chronic respiratory failure (72% vs. 41%, p = 0.01) were associated with persistent TCF. Logistic regression analysis associated duration of tracheostomy (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.35, p < 0.001) and congenital malformations (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06-0.99, p = 0.049) with failure to spontaneously close. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of children will develop a persistent TCF after tracheostomy decannulation. Persistent TCF is correlated with a longer duration of tracheostomy and congenital malformations. Anticipation of this event in higher-risk children is necessary when caring for pediatric tracheostomy patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:417-422, 2023.

Predictive Value of Risk Factors for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive value of various risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. METHODS: The characteristics of each study were collected from six databases up to January of 2022. Risk for bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: A total of 58 studies in 9845 patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of PCF was 21.69%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.20; 0.24] in the included studies. Age (OR = 1.33, 95% CI [1.12; 1.58]), postoperative anemia (OR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.47; 3.57]), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.20; 2.71]), tumor site (above or below the glottis) (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.15; 1.88]), previous radiation therapy (OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.56; 2.72]), previous tracheostomy (OR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.04; 1.53]), surgery timing (salvage vs. primary) (OR = 2.08, 95% CI [1.46; 2.97]), extended total laryngectomy (including pharyngectomy) (OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.28; 3.00]), primary tracheoesophageal puncture (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.40; 0.93]), and postoperative hypoproteinemia (OR = 9.98, 95% CI [3.68; 27.03]) were significantly associated with the occurrence of PCF. In view of predictive ability, postoperative hypoproteinemia showed the highest accuracy (sensitivity = 51%, specificity = 90%, area under the curve = 0.84). CONCLUSION: Multiple patient-, disease-, and surgery-related factors are risk factors for PCF. In particular, postoperative hypoproteinemia could be a good predictive factor for PCF in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. Laryngoscope, 133:742-754, 2023.

Stapler Pharyngeal Repair Versus Conventional Suturing After Laryngectomy in Jordanian Laryngeal Cancer Patients.

Background: The use of staplers in surgical repair of the pharynx after laryngectomy has gained traction in recent years, with differing results. Objective: In this study, we compare the use of stapler suturing (SS) after laryngectomy in comparison with the manual suturing (MS) technique in laryngeal cancer patients regarding pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation, operative time, blood loss, margin status, and length of hospital stay. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of laryngeal cancer patients undergoing pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy by either a stapler or manual suturing. Demographic data, stage of disease, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and operative time were collected. Results: A total of 59 laryngeal cancer patients were included, of which 22 underwent SS and 37 had MS. Our cohort was predominantly males (98%), and similar mean ages were observed across both suturing groups (60.5 vs 59.9, P = 0.83). Negative margins were more frequent with SS (100% vs 86.5%, P = 0.13) yet this difference was not statistically significant, whereas preoperative tracheostomy procedure was present more in MS patients (43.2% vs 0, P = 0.003). Lymph node involvement was higher in the manual suturing cohort, yet this difference was statistically insignificant (41.2% vs 25%, P = 0.49). The muscle flap procedure was significantly higher in the MS cohort (70.3% vs 20%, P = 0.001). In both groups, comparable PCF rates were noted (13.3% vs 10.8%) and there was no association between salvage laryngectomy and PCF occurrence in the entire cohort. For surgery details, there was no statistical difference between both groups in blood loss, hospitalization length, or oral feeding start. Only surgical time was significantly lower in the stapler cohort (277 vs 372.6 minutes, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Both suturing techniques did not show any statistically significant difference in PCF rates. However, was markedly reduced with stapler use in comparison to manual suturing. Further randomized studies with larger sample size are needed to validate the role of stapler suturing for pharyngeal repair.

Factors predicting pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients after salvage laryngectomy for laryngeal malignancy - A multicenter collaborative cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major morbidity of salvage total laryngectomy (TL). Understanding the factors predicting PCF is fundamental to managing laryngeal cancer. We aim to assess factors associated with PCF following salvage TL in a multicenter, international retrospective cohort study of academic centers in the US and Canada. RESULTS: In total, 550 patients post-salvage TL were identified (mean [SD; range] age, 64 [10.4; 32-90] years; 465 [85 %] male and 84 [15 %] female) between 2000 and 2014. Rate of PCF was 23 % (n = 127) with median time to PCF of 2.9 weeks. Surgical management of PCF was required in 43 % (n = 54) while 57 % (n = 73) required wound care alone. Rates of PCF differed by primary treatment modality [radiation, 20 % (n = 76); chemoradiation, 27 % (n = 40); not available (n = 6)] and use of vascularized tissue in pharyngeal closure [free/regional flap, 18 % (n = 25); no vascularized tissue/primary closure, 24 % (n = 98); not available (n = 4)]. There was no statistically significant association between PCF and treatment with chemoradiation (HR, 1.32; 95 % CI, 0.91-1.93, p = 0.14) or lack of vascularized tissue reconstruction (HR, 1.41, 95 % CI 0.91-2.18, p = 0.12). Significant association between PCF and advanced stage (T3 or T4), positive margin, close margin (<5mm), lymphovascular invasion and pre-operative tracheostomy were identified on univariable analysis. Positive surgical margin (HR, 1.91; 95 % CI, 1.11 to 3.29) was the only significant association on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: We highlight positive surgical margin as the only variable significantly associated with increased risk of PCF following salvage TL on multivariable analysis in a large cohort across several major head and neck oncology centers.

Salivary bypass tube in total laryngectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to determine whether the preventive positioning of a salivary bypass tube (SBT) after total laryngectomy (TL) reduces the incidence of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) and pharyngeal stenosis (PS). This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA statement. 1960 patients with a median age of 62.0 years were included. A SBT was placed in 980 (50%) patients (SBT group). The cumulative PCF incidence in the SBT group was 15.8% (95% CI: 9.3-23.6). The measured pooled OR comparing PCF incidence in patients with SBT compared to those without was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.24-0.65). The pooled PS incidence in the SBT group was 12.3% (95% CI: 5.4-21.6). The measured pooled OR comparing PS incidence in patients with SBT compared to those without was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.24-0.65). PCF and PS could be prevented by the intra-operative placement of a SBT.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula in irradiated patients: systematic review and our experience.

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy is considered a risk factor for pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. This study aimed to analyse the impact of exclusive radiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy and the time interval between radiotherapy and surgery on the risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula. METHOD: This study was a retrospective revision of 171 patients treated with a total laryngectomy after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 33 patients (19.3 per cent). Patients previously treated with chemoradiotherapy showed a non-significant higher pharyngocutaneous fistula rate compared with patients treated with radiotherapy (25.0 per cent vs 18.0 per cent; p = 0.455). Patients with a pharyngocutaneous fistula after chemoradiotherapy treatment required a surgical repair more frequently than patients treated with radiotherapy (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate depending on the time interval between radiotherapy and surgery (p = 0.580). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate after total laryngectomy depending on the previous treatment with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, or depending on the interval between radiotherapy treatment and surgery.

Inflammation-Based Score (Combination of Platelet Count and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio) Predicts Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Postoperative complications may depend on the systemic inflammatory response. We evaluated the predictive potential of the combination of platelet count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (COP-NLR) for the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 2000 and 2020 were recruited from four hospitals. The correlations between the incidence of PCF and several risk factors, including the COP-NLR, were examined. Patients with both elevated platelet count and elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were categorized as COP-NLR 2, and patients with either one or no abnormal values of both parameters were assigned as COP-NLR 1 and COP-NLR 0, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 235 patients were identified. The overall incidence of PCF was 12.3%. The cut-off value for NLR before surgery was set at 3.95 (sensitivity = 58.6%, specificity = 69.4%, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.635), and the platelet count was set at 320 × 109 /L (sensitivity = 27.6%, specificity = 87.9%, AUC = 0.571). Multivariate analysis revealed that COP-NLR was an independent risk factor for PCF (COP-NLR 1 vs. COP-NLR 0: odds ratio [OR], 4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 10.59; and COP-NLR 2 vs. COP-NLR 0: OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 1.38 to 20.56). CONCLUSIONS: COP-NLR is a novel predictive factor for the development of PCF in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1582-1587, 2022.

Low skeletal muscle mass assessed directly from the 3rd cervical vertebra can predict pharyngocutaneous fistula risk after total laryngectomy in the male population.

PURPOSE: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss and sarcopenia have been identified as risk factors for postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation after total laryngectomy (TL) and SMM assessed from a computed tomography image of the 3rd cervical vertebra (C3). METHODS: Retrospective study of 86 male patients who underwent TL between 2013 and 2019 in a single institution. We excluded women from the analysis due to our limited sample. SMM was determined from cross-sectional muscle area (CSMA) measurement at C3 using the ImageJ software. Results were compared with those for the skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) calculated from the estimated measure at 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3). RESULTS: PCF formation occurred in 21/86 patients. According to the CSMA at a C3 cut-off of 35.5cm2, of 18 patients (20.9%) with low SMM, 9 developed PCFs (50.0%). Among patients with normal SMM (n = 68, 79.1%), 12 developed PCFs (17.6%). The CSMA at C3 was the only variable significantly associated with PCF risk, which was 4.7 times greater in patients with low SMM (p = 0.007). Sarcopenia was more frequent in underweight patients (p = 0.0001), patients undergoing extended surgeries (p = 0.003), or presenting preoperative anaemia (p = 0.009) or hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Measuring the CSMA at C3 obtained results equivalent to those obtained by calculating the SMMI at L3, suggesting that direct SMM assessment from C3 is a useful approach to evaluating PCF formation risk after TL.

Arterial calcification on preoperative computed tomography imaging as a risk factor for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after total laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Research in esophageal surgery showed that computed tomography (CT) assessed arterial calcification (AC) is associated with postoperative complications. We investigated the association between AC and pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation after laryngectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laryngectomy. AC was scored at 10 different anatomical locations on CT imaging, blinded for PCF occurrence. Association with PCF was investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The 224 patients were included; 62 (27.7%) developed a PCF. Moderate to severe AC was widespread in patients undergoing TL; 7.1% of patients had at most mild AC, of whom 1 experienced a PCF (p = 0.05). A higher cumulative calcification score was associated with PCF in univariable (OR 1.11, p = 0.04) and multivariable analysis (OR 1.14, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: AC is widespread in patients undergoing laryngectomy and its burden is associated with PCF. Extensive AC on preoperative imaging may be considered a risk factor for PCF.

Orocutaneous Fistula After Oral Cavity Resection and Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Orocutaneous fistula (OCF) after reconstruction for oral cavity resection can lead to prolonged hospitalization and adjuvant treatment delay. Few studies have examined factors leading to OCF after oral cavity resection. Primary objective: evaluate overall incidence and factors associated with OCF after oral cavity reconstruction. DATA SOURCES: Scopus 1960-database was searched for terms: "orocutaneous fistula," "oro cutaneous fistula," "oral cutaneous fistula," "orocervical fistula," "oral cavity salivary fistula." REVIEW METHODS: English language studies with >5 patients undergoing reconstruction after oral cavity cancer resection were included. About 1057 records initially screened; 214 full texts assessed; 78 full-texts included. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and MINORS criteria used to assess risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects model. Primary outcome was OCF incidence. Meta-analysis to determine the effect of preoperative radiation on OCF conducted on 12 eligible studies. Pre-collection hypothesis was that prior radiation therapy is associated with increased OCF incidence. Post-collection analyses: free versus pedicled flaps; mandible-sparing versus segmental mandibulectomy. RESULTS: Seventy-eight studies were included in meta-analysis of overall OCF incidence. Pooled effect size showed overall incidence of OCF to be 7.71% (95% CI, 6.28%-9.13%) among 5400 patients. Meta-analysis of preoperative radiation therapy on OCF showed a pooled odds ratio of 1.68 (95% CI, 0.93-3.06). OCF incidence was similar between patients undergoing free versus pedicled reconstruction, or segmental mandibulectomy versus mandible-sparing resection. CONCLUSION: Orocutaneous fistula after oral cavity resection has significant incidence and clinical impact. Risk of OCF persists despite advances in reconstructive options; there is a trend toward higher risk after prior radiation.

Nutritional predictors of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy: A multivariate analytic study in a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate analysis, the configuration of nutritional predictors that impact the development pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study carried out on 203 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection between June 2015 and June 2020. Patients with risk factors for PCF formation, other than malnutrition, were excluded to eliminate the potential impact of that risk factors on PCF formation and to make the study group homogenous. Five parameters were evaluated including preoperative serum prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST). RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels significantly correlated with PCF development. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin level was the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF (P value <0.001, odd ratio 11.951 [95% CI 3.686-38.749]) followed by preoperative albumin (P value 0.006, odd ratio 3.985 [95% CI 1.485- 10.694]). CONCLUSION: Preoperative prealbumin level is considered the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF. It should be used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing total laryngectomy and hence their need for nutritional support.

The effect of salivary bypass tube use on the prevention of pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of Salivary Bypass Tube (SBT) for preventing pharyngo-cutaneous fistula (PCF) in a recent cohort of patients who underwent primary and salvage total laryngectomy (TL). METHODS: A consecutive series of 133 patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 1997 and 2019 was reviewed. The incidence of PCF was compared between patients who did not receive SBT (nSBT group; n = 55) and those preventively receiving SBT (SBT group; n = 78) in both primary and salvage TL. Risk factors for PCF were evaluated in a univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The overall PCF rate was 30%. Preoperative characteristics were similar between the nSBT and SBT groups, except for older age (p = 0.016), lower preoperative hemoglobin (p = 0.043), and lesser neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.015) in the SBT group. The rate of PCF the nSBT group, was 41.5%, compared to 21.8% in the SBT group (p = 0.020). In multivariate analysis, only the use of SBT was associated with lower risk of PCF (OR = 0.41 (95% CI 0.19-0.89), p = 0.026). This effect was verified only in the subgroup of patient operated for salvage TL (OR = 0.225; 95% CI 0.09-0.7; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The use of SBT in our series in salvage TL, appears to be associated with a decreased risk of PCF.

Comparación de sutura mecánica con sutura manual de la faringe en laringectomía total / Comparison of mechanical suture with manual suture of the pharynx in total laryngectomy

Introducción: La sutura mecánica es una opción para el cierre de la faringorrafia en laringectomía total por cáncer de laringe. Objetivo: Comparar el uso de sutura mecánica lineal con sutura manual de la faringe durante la laringectomía total por cáncer de laringe. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de tipo experimental prospectivo. Se compararon dos grupos pacientes: Los pacientes con sutura mecánica desde 2018 a marzo de 2020 y los pacientes con sutura manual previa a enero de 2018 en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco. Se analizaron fístula faringo-cutánea posoperatoria (FFC), tiempo operatorio, estadía hospitalaria y costo. Resultados: El estudio incluyó a 14 pacientes, cada grupo con n = 7. El grupo con sutura mecánica presento 0% de FFC y el grupo sutura manual 28%. El grupo con sutura mecánica reinicio alimentación a los 7 días y el grupo con sutura manual en promedio a los 11,5 (7-23) días. (p = 0,0023). El tiempo promedio de cirugía para el grupo experimental es de 288 ± 37,4 minutos y con sutura manual 311 ± 32,4 minutos. (p = 0,0176). El promedio de hospitalización para el grupo experimental fue de 11 ± 2,6 días (9 a 16), y para el grupo control fue de 21 ± 14 días (10 a 49) (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: La sutura mecánica es un procedimiento fácil de usar y seguro. Existiría un beneficio en el uso de sutura mecánica para el cierre faríngeo al compararlo con la sutura manual al disminuir el número de FFC, el tiempo operatorio y los días de hospitalización.

Introduction: Mechanical suture is an option for the closure of the pharyngorrhaphy in total laryngectomy due to laryngeal cancer. Aim: To compare the use of linear mechanical suture with manual pharyngeal suture during total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Material and Method: A prospective experimental study was carried out. Two patient groups were compared: patients with mechanical suture from 2018 to March 2020 and patients with manual suture prior to January 2018 at the otorhinolaryngology service of the Barros Luco Hospital. Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula (FFC), operative time, hospital stay and cost were analyzed. Results: The study included 14 patients, each group with n = 7. The group with mechanical suture presented 0% of FFC and the group with manual suture 28%. The group with mechanical suture restarted feeding at 7 days and the group with manual suture on average at 11.5 (7-23) days (p = 0.0023). The average surgery time for the experimental group was 288 ± 37.4 minutes, while for the group with manual suture was 311 ± 32.4 minutes (p = 0.0176). The mean hospitalization for the experimental group was 11 ± 2.6 days (9 to 16), and for the control group it was 21 ± 14 days (10 to 49) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The mechanical suture is an easy to use and safe procedure. There would be a benefit in the use of mechanical suture for pharyngeal closure when buying it with manual suture by reducing the number of FFCs, operative time and days of hospitalization.