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Free Flap Inset Techniques in Salvage Laryngopharyngectomy Repair: Impact on Fistula Formation and Function
Author(s) -
Chen Diane W.,
Ellis Mark A.,
Horwich Peter,
Sandulache Vlad C.,
Liou Nelson E.,
Hernandez David J.,
Sturgis Erich M.,
Graboyes Evan M.,
Hornig Joshua D.,
Day Terry A.,
Huang Andrew T.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.28939
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngectomy , surgery , gastrostomy tube , fistula , retrospective cohort study , incidence (geometry) , gastrostomy , larynx , physics , optics
Objective To characterize pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) rates and functional outcomes following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) reconstruction of salvage total laryngectomy (STL) with a review of two different flap inset techniques and a review of the literature. Methods Retrospective review. Results Review of the literature revealed 887 patients who underwent STL MVFTT from 14 references. Ninety‐six STL MVFTTs were performed by the authors, with 36 (38%) patients undergoing multilayer fascial underlay (MLFU) closure and 60 (62%) a standard single layer closure (SLC). One (3%) PCF occurred in the MLFU group compared to 12 (20%) in the SLC cohort ( P = .03). Postoperative gastrostomy (G)‐tube dependence was lower following MLFU closure compared to SLC (25% vs. 57%, P < .01), whereas pharyngoesophageal stricture (PES) (28% vs. 38%), tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) placement (42% vs. 42%), and TEP usage (87% vs. 88%) did not significantly differ ( P > .05). Compared to pooled rates from the literature, patients who underwent a MLFU MVFTT inset technique demonstrated significantly lower PCF incidence (3% vs. 23%, P < .01) without significant differences in PES (28% vs 23%, P = .55), G‐tube dependence (25% vs. 23%, P = .25), or TEP placement (42% vs. 59%, P = .09). Conclusion Despite MVFTT reconstruction after STL, G‐tube dependence, PCF formation, and limitations of speaking rehabilitation (TEP) remain a significant issue. Modification of MVFTT inset may provide an opportunity to reduce PCF incidence without affecting other functional outcomes. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope , 131:E875–E881, 2021