Postlaryngectomy Pharyngocutaneous Fistula:Analysis of Possible Risk Factors

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse factors that predispose patients to pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in total laryngectomy, with a focus on intraoperative primary tracheooesophageal fistula (TEF) with voice prosthesis and anti-reflux prophylaxis.
Methods: This retrospective cohort included 77 patients who underwent total laryngectomy (TL). Potential risk factors included intraoperative primary TEF with voice prosthesis, anti-reflux prophylaxis, previous radiotherapy (RT), diabetes mellitus, concurrently neck dissection and tumour stage.
Results: The global PCF rate was 46.3%. No statistically significant difference was noted between the fistula positive and negative groups for these parameters, except for hospitalisation time.
Conclusion: Anti-reflux prophylaxis was not significantly associated with the incidence of PCF. Primary TEF and voice prosthesis did not increase the incidence of PCF.