Early oral feeding following total laryngectomy

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common nonfatal laryngectomy complications (7.6% to 65% of all total patients). Preoperative radiotherapy, advanced tumor stage, poor preoperative medical status, and concomitant pharyngectomy are usually accepted causative factors in fistula formation. Delay of oral feeding is a common practice used by head and neck surgeons to prevent the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula. In this article we analyze our experience with special emphasis given to the early start of postoperative feeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The postoperative records of 48 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy or total laryngopharyngectomy were reviewed. All patients were orally fed with water and clear liquids on the first postoperative day. The patients were closely observed at every feeding attempt, and if any sign of fistula was noted, a nasogastric tube was inserted. Preoperative radiotherapy, stage of disease, tumor differentiation, and pharyngectomy with total laryngectomy were statistically analyzed as potential risk factors contributing to fistula formation. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was 12.5% in our series. The only statistically significant factor that increased the rate of fistula formation was resection of pharyngeal mucosa as an extension of total laryngectomy. Other parameters failed to show any statistical significance in development of this complication. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of fistula incidence in our series indicates that initiating oral feeding on the first postoperative day does not contribute to fistula formation. Additionally, the relatively shortened hospital stay and elimination of the psychologic and traumatic side effects of tube feeding are benefits of this approach that should be studied in further prospective quality-of-life studies.     

Early oral feeding following total laryngectomy

OBJECTIVES: The time to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy remains a subject of debate among head and neck surgeons. The prevailing assumption is that early initiation of oral feeding may cause pharyngocutaneous fistula; thus, the common practice of initiating oral feeding after a period of 7 to 10 days. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of oral feeding 48 hours after total laryngectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Two-part study includes, first, a sequential study and, second, a prospective analysis of our practice. METHODS: Patients undergoing total laryngectomy without partial pharyngectomy or radiation treatment (except irradiation through small ports for a T1 or T2 glottic carcinoma) were included. In the first, sequential part of the study (part I), a group of 18 patients who were fed 7 to 10 days after total laryngectomy (control group) was compared with a group of 20 patients who received oral feeding within 48 hours. To confirm the results of part I, a prospective analysis of this practice was conducted (part II) in which 35 additional patients who met the above criteria were fed within 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS: In part I, pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in one patient (5%) in the early feeding group and in two patients (11%) in the control group. In part II, pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in one patient (2.8%). Overall, fistula occurred in two patients in the combined early feeding group (3.6%). This rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula compares favorably with the fistula rate in the control group of 18 patients. Pharyngeal stricture that required dilation occurred in three of our patients in the study group and two in the control group (5.5% vs. 11%, respectively). The length of hospital stay was significantly shortened from 12 to 7 days. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that in this patient population initiation of oral feeding 48 hours after total laryngectomy is a safe clinical practice.     

The free jejunal graft in head and neck reconstruction

Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus presents a tremendous surgical challenge to the Head and Neck Surgeon. Over the past 2 years the free jejunal graft with microvascular anastomosis has been used in 12 consecutive cases. Careful follow-up included not only clinical assessment, but regular radiographic evaluation, as well as fiberoptic esophagoscopy and biopsy of the jejunum. In our experience the indications for this procedure can be classified as follows: 1. Total laryngopharyngectomy and partial esophagectomy for malignancy. 2. Radical pharyngeal resection for stomal recurrence after previous failed total laryngectomy (including mediastinal dissection). 3. Persistent benign pharyngeal stricture refractory to conservative management. 4. Second-stage pharyngeal reconstruction in patients with a pharyngostome and esophagostome. Aspects of the technique will be presented, as well as an analysis of the results. These results have proved most encouraging with only one absolute failure. Major advantages are a significant shortening of hospital stay and a much earlier and easier rehabilitation as compared to other methods of reconstruction. The only other significant complications in the series were stricture at the lower anastomosis and a temporary pharyngocutaneous fistula in one case. In conclusion, we at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center are of the opinion that free jejunal graft offers an excellent safe and relative easy method of pharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction with significant advantages over other techniques.     

Inzidenz von Speichelfisteln in Abhängigkeit vom Zeitpunkt einer oralen Ernährung nach Laryngektomie

Background and objective. A pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication after total laryngectomy. In Germany, a traditional recommendation is to use a nasogastric tube for feeding for 10–14 days postoperatively because many surgeons believe that oral feeding after surgery contributes to fistula development. However, there is no international agreement about when to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy. Some authors begin oral feeding between the 1st and 4th postoperative day without any nasogastric tube, while others using a nasogastric tube delay oral feedings until 7–14 days after surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the timing of oral feeding and the development of fistulas after total laryngectomy. Patients/methods. In a prospective trial with 42 consecutive patients who underwent laryngectomy, oral feeding was started on different postoperative days between the 1st and the 10th. Most patients were selected randomly for the different postoperative days. Furthermore, other potential risk factors predisposing to fistula formation were analyzed retrospectively. Results. Five fistulas occurred in the total group (12%). Early postoperative oral feeding does not increase the incidence of fistulas. The fistula rate was only 9% in patients fed orally in the 1st postoperative week. The analysis of further risk factors for fistula formation showed only a significant correlation between type of resection and fistula occurrence (extended laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy vs standard laryngectomy; p = 0.018). Conclusions. Our results indicate that early oral feeding in the 1st postoperative week does not influence fistula formation after laryngectomy.     

喉全切除术后咽瘘影响因素的Meta分析

目的 系统评价喉恶性肿瘤喉全切除术后咽瘘发生的危险因素.方法 检索MEDLINE、EMBASE数据库和中国生物医学文献数据库、中国学术期刊全文数据库和重庆维普数据库,手工检索所有纳入试验的参考文献,采用RevMan4.2软件对纳入文献的数据进行汇总分析(meta-analysis,Meta分析).结果 共纳入44个临床病例研究,病例总数6917,咽瘘发生例数1004.Meta分析结果显示感染、拔胃管时间、病变部位、术中输血、术前放疗、手术时间、术前气管切开、手术切缘、合并慢性全身性疾病以及T分级与喉全切除术后咽瘘发生有关.结论 感染、拔胃管时间过早或过晚、原发肿瘤部位位于声门上和跨声门区、术中输血、术前放疗、手术时间超过4小时、术前气管切开、手术切缘瘤细胞阳性、合并慢性全身性疾病以及局部晚期肿瘤(T3、T4级)是喉全切除术后咽瘘发生的危险因素.     

Modified Continuous Mucosal Connell Suture for the Pharyngeal Closure After Total Laryngectomy: Zipper Suture

Objectives

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a serious complication after total laryngectomy, and there are some risk factors stated in the literature. The surgical suture techniques are not studied so much. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ''modified continuous mucosal Connell suture'' on the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series study based at a tertiary center with 31 patients who underwent total laryngectomy between July 2011 and December 2013. Pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after total laryngectomy was evaluated with the patients who underwent modified continuous mucosal Connell suture for pharyngeal repair.

Results

Pharyngocutaneous fistula was observed in only one patient (3.2%) who had a history of previous radiotherapy, and it was spontaneously healed within 6 days by conservative treatment.

Conclusion

We defined a new suture technique for the pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy. This technique is a simple modification of continuous mucosal Connell suture. We named it as zipper suture. It is effective in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula for pharyngeal reconstruction after total laryngectomy.     

保守治疗咽瘘的临床转归研究

目的:总结全喉切除术后并发咽瘘的临床转归及处理对策。方法:分析21例喉癌下咽癌全喉切除术后咽瘘发生的时间、创面状况和采用的相应治疗措施。结果:咽瘘的转归分为3期:引流清理期(Ⅰ期)、加压包扎期(Ⅱ期)、愈合期(Ⅲ期),不同期进行不同处理。咽瘘经过引流清理期、加压包扎期、愈合期的处理后,14例咽瘘愈合,占66.7%(14/21);其余7例保守治疗无效经手术治愈。结论:咽瘘分别按转归的3期进行处理,取得满意的疗效,咽瘘的转归分期对指导临床治疗有一定参考价值。     

A randomized controlled trial of early oral feeding in laryngectomized patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early oral feeding by comparing it with feeding through primary tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy with primary pharyngeal closure. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. METHODS: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy with primary pharyngeal closure and who were candidates for primary voice restoration (an in whose cases primary tracheoesophageal puncture [TEP] was created) were included. After total laryngectomy, patients were randomly assigned to either the oral group (study group) or the TEP group (control group). Patients in the oral group were fed orally with a clear liquid diet on the first postoperative day, then advanced to a regular diet, whereas patients in the TEP group were fed through tracheoesophageal puncture and received nothing orally until the seventh postoperative day; then they were fed orally if fistula had not occurred. Standard criteria for discharge were used for all the patients. RESULTS: During a 3-year period, 67 patients were enrolled in the trial, and complete data were available for 65 patients (32 patients in the oral group, 33 patients in the TEP group). The two groups were similar for factors reported to influence the rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula. In three (9%) patients in the TEP group, fistula occurred on the 5th, 7th, and 14th postoperative days, respectively. Two (6.2%) fistulas occurred in the oral group on the sixth and eighth postoperative days, respectively. In patients without fistula, the mean length of hospital stay was 7.6 days (range, 4-19 d [SD = 3.1 d]) for the oral group and 8.2 days (range, 7-18 d [SD = 2.6 d) for the TEP group. There was no significant difference between two groups for either the incidence of fistula or the length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of oral feeding on the first postoperative day in patients undergoing total laryngectomy with primary pharyngeal closure is a safe clinical practice. However, it does not shorten the length of hospital stay for these patients.     

Repair of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas using a pectoralis major flap

IntroductionThe pectoralis major flap is a reconstructive option to consider in the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. There are not large studies assessing variables related to pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence after removal of the larynx. Our objectives were to review the results obtained with this type of treatment when pharyngocutaneous fistula appears in laryngectomized patients, and to evaluate variables related to the results.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our results using either a myocutaneous or fasciomuscular pectoralis major flap to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula in 50 patients.ResultsThere were no cases of flap necrosis. Oral intake after fistula repair with a pectoralis major flap was restored in 94% of cases. Fistula recurrence occurred in 22 cases (44%), and it was associated with a lengthening of the hospital stay. Performing the flap as an emergency procedure was associated with a significantly higher risk of fistula recurrence. Hospital stay was significantly shorter when a salivary tube was placed.ConclusionsThe pectoralis major flap is a useful approach to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula. Placing salivary tubes during fistula repair significantly reduces hospital stay and complication severity in case of pharyngocutaneous fistula recurrence.     

Esophageal reconstruction for esophageal stricture after corrosive injury]

Swallowing a corrosive agent (alkali or acid) often causes severe pharyngeal, laryngeal or esophageal stricture (caustic stenosis), which is usually very difficult to treat. This paper reports two cases of esophageal stricture treated by esophagoplasty. Both cases had attempted suicide by swallowing a sodium hydroxide solution or acid. Case 1 was a 66-year-old man found to have severe hypopharynx and thoracic esophagus stenosis with supraglottic stricture. The supraglottic stricture was reconstructed with an ileocolon graft and laryngectomy. The intestinal anastomosis was patent, but the peristaltic motion in the ileocolon was not good. The patient continues to have difficulty achieving sufficient oral feeding and to receive supplemental feeding via a jejunostomy. Case 2 was a 81-year-old woman with severe thoracic esophagus stenosis after gastrectomy. The lesion was reconstructed with a jejenum graft. The intestinal anastomosis was patent. She achieved oral alimentation of both liquids and solids without aspiration after surgery. Esophagectomy in these cases can be difficult and hazardous due to extensive fibrosis and many adhesions to adjacent structures. In both cases, the reconstructed intestine passed through the ante-sternal route, so there was severe scar formation in the mediastinum, and an esophago-skin fistula formed in the cervical skin. Cervical vessels and intestinal vessels were anastomosed for blood supply to the reconstructed intestinal tract. This method is useful because it is safe and results in good deglution.     

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging to assist the linear stapler closure of the pharynx during total laryngectomy

Objective

This study aimed to present a novel technique for stapler-assisted laryngectomy under direct visualization using a videoendoscope with narrow-band imaging (NBI-endoscopy).

Pharyngeal Reconstruction After Laryngectomy

A method of pharyngeal reconstruction following laryngectomy is described. In 44 successive laryngectomies using this technique, no postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistulas occurred. Ten of the patients had received full courses of radiation therapy prior to the surgical procedure and had recurrent carcinomas. Other reports have noted that laryngectomy following full courses of “unplanned preoperative” radiation therapy is usually associated with a high incidence of postoperative pharyngeal fistula. The pharyngeal fistula problem, and the pharyngeal repair that was used in our series, are discussed. The pharynx was closed carefully in three layers with fine, absorbable sutures, and a submucosal inverting technique was used for the important mucous membrane closure. Tube feedings were used for two weeks after surgery. A high incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after laryngectomy in the irradiated patient can be prevented.     

Using a linear stapler for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy

This study aimed to evaluate the value of using a linear stapler device in total laryngectomy using a prospective study. Twenty-one total laryngectomies were performed from August 2010 to April 2012, using TA-60 linear stapler for pharyngeal closure. Data collected included age, sex, staging, surgical margins and postoperative course (including complications and swallowing). Patients comprised twenty men and one woman. The mean age was 64 years. Two patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Four patients recurred after radiotherapy. Fifteen patients were untreated. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. One patient developed slight pharyngocutaneous fistula. Patients resumed oral intake at 7 days. The mean hospital stay was 10 days. Using a linear stapler to close laryngopharyngeal cavity in total laryngectomy is simple, reliable and practical, avoids pollution of surgical area, saves operation time and decreases the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. It is worthy of clinical application for selected cases. Level of Evidence Case-series     

Ten-year experience with cervical miniesophagostomy

This report describes our experience with 35 patients who underwent intraoperative transcutaneous cervical miniesophagostomy (TCME) during conservation laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal surgery. The TCME was designed to provide enteral alimentation without the need for a nasogastric tube. Nasogastric tubes may cause posterior laryngeal inflammation, granulations, muscle damage, and vocal cord immobility. Friction between nasogastric and tracheotomy tubes may result in damage to the remaining posterior larynx and may delay healing, oral feeding, and decannulation. Percutaneous endoscopic or radiologically assisted gastrostomy is a possible solution. However, it requires time, special expertise, and coordination with other specialties. In addition, immediate and delayed abdominal complications may occur. The TCME is a relatively simple and quick procedure that is performed during the primary cancer surgery by the head and neck surgeon. It requires no special equipment. It takes about 5 minutes to perform and, if done correctly with tunneling under the skin flaps, is associated with minimal or no postoperative morbidity. It is useful after supraglottic laryngectomy, partial laryngectomy, partial laryngopharyngectomy, and base of tongue resection, and in selected cases of vertical hemilaryngectomy and anterolateral laryngectomy. In the last group, we found that TCME is required if the arytenoid cartilage is removed and the posterior aspect of the larynx is disrupted. There were only minor complications related to TCME. Leakage from the miniesophagostomy did not occur, primarily because of the superior-to-inferior orientation of the tube and the long subplatysmal tunneling before esophageal entrance.     

游离空肠移植重建下咽及颈段食管112例临床分析

目的 探讨游离空肠修复下咽及颈段食管肿瘤切除术后组织缺损的方法及疗效.方法 回顾性分析1984年10月至2009年10月中国医学科学院肿瘤医院头颈外科112例下咽、颈段食管癌及喉癌复发患者肿瘤切除术后所致下咽环周及颈段食管缺损以游离空肠进行Ⅰ期修复的临床资料.结果 112例患者中,游离空肠坏死6例,游离空肠移植成功率94.6%(106/112);吻合口瘘发生率、吻合口狭窄率分别为8.9%(10/112)、12.5%(12/96);围手术期死亡率1.8%(2/112).除1例围手术期死亡、6例空肠坏死和2例保留喉患者未恢复经口进食外,其余103例患者在术后平均12 d恢复经口进食.结论 游离空肠移植手术成功率高,手术并发症及围手术期死亡率低,吞咽功能恢复快.对颈动脉未受侵,能保证手术安全切缘的患者,建议首选游离空肠修复.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the results of reconstruction of hypopharyngeai circumferential and cervical esophageal defects with free jejunal transfer. Methods Retrosepective review of 112 patients who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free jejunal interposition. Analysis was confined to the patients with advanced hypopharyngeal, esophageal or recurrent laryngeal squamous cell cancer. Kaplan-Meier method was used to identify the accumulative survival rate. Results The free jejunal success rate was 94. 6% ( 106/112). The pharyngocutaneous fistula rate and anastomoses narrow rate were 8. 9% ( 10/112) and 12. 5% ( 12/96) respectively. The perioperative mortality rate was 1. 8% (2/112). Except 1 case of dead, 6 cases with flap failure and 2 cases with laryngeal preservation, other 103 cases had resumed oral feeding. Conclusions The success rate of free jejunal transplation is high and free jejunal interposition is an ideal reconstruction method for patients who have hypopharyngeai circumferential and cervical esophageal defects after tumor resection.     

下咽及颈胸段食管多原发癌一期手术

目的 探讨下咽、颈胸段食管多原发癌（multiple primary carcinoma,MPC）在胸腔镜辅助下行全喉、下咽、食管切除并管状胃重建一期手术的应用及疗效。方法 胸科组行胸腔镜辅助下分离食管及纵膈淋巴结清扫后开腹行管状胃成形,头颈组行颈部淋巴结清扫、全喉下咽切除、咽胃吻合术。术后常规补充放化疗。结果 本组全部病例均一期完成手术,肺部感染3例,胸腔积液2例、气管撕裂1例;无吻合口瘘及围手术期死亡病例;3年生存率63.6%,5年生存率50.0%。结论 下咽癌应常规行胃镜检查以免MPC的漏诊;胸腔镜辅助下全喉、下咽、食管切除并管状胃重建术可一期完成以往分次手术难以完成的手术治疗,有效提高下咽颈胸段食管多重癌的治疗效果。     

Fístula tras laringectomía total. Estudio retrospectivo y revisión bibliográfica

BackgroundThe pharyngocutaneous fistulae is troublesome and the most common complication following total laryngectomy. Our objetive was to determine the incidence of pharingocutaneous fistulae after the total laryngectomy in our serie and to make review of the medical literature.MethodsWe made a retrospective study of a serie of 81 consecutive cases of laryngeal carcinoma treated between 1995 and 2008 in our section. Total laryngectomy was performed in 29 cases and 52 patients treated with organ preservation approach, were excluded. In 14 cases, the procedure was combined with radical neck dissection, pharyngeal resection or myocutanenous flaps. Nasogastric tube for feeding in the postoperative period was used in all patients and surgical gastrostomy was performed in 5 cases.ResultsOur incidence of fistulas when total laryngectomy was the alone procedure is 20 % and 34.5 % when simultaneous surgical proceedings were associated. Spontaneous closure was noted in 80 % of the cases and the mean hospitalization time was 23 days.ConclusionsMost of the fistulas can be managed with conservative treatment. Pectoralis major myocutanenous flap is appropriate when conservative treatment has failed. In small fistulas, nasogastric or gastrostomy tube for feeding can be successfully managed in the ambulatory follow up. The cost-benefit relation must be better analyzed.     

Staple-assisted laryngectomy for intractable aspiration

Staple-assisted laryngectomy is a unique method previously reported by Lukyanchenko to prevent wound contamination by using a stapling device for suturing pharyngeal defects in total laryngectomy. We have modified his method and applied it to prevent a postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula in the treatment of intractable aspiration. In contrast to laryngeal cancer patients, a combined use of an intraluminal light to guide the dissection and laryngofissure to pull the epiglottis can be used to facilitate the use of the stapling device. For most patients with intractable aspiration who have significant malnutrition and drug-resistant bacterial colonization of the pharynx, this method offers certain advantages. This report describes our successful experience with this method in the management of patients with intractable aspiration.     

Utility of the Montgomery salivary tubes for preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the prophylactic, protocolized, and standardized use of a Montgomery tube in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy and neck dissection.Study designRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral centre.Subject and methodsA Montgomery salivary bypass tube was placed in 44 patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection, observing the percentage of fistula appearance and the time of start of deglutition. Comparison was made with a group of 28 patients prior to the implantation of the protocol in whom the tube was not used.ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of fistulas and an earlier onset of deglutition in the salivary bypass tube patients compared to those in whom the tube had not been used.ConclusionProphylactic and standardized use of the Montgomery salivary bypass tube in patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection might decrease the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula and improve the course of one that is already established.     

Prevention of postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula: the Memorial University experience

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a pectoralis major myogenous flap in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Our secondary objective was to estimate the economic saving to our health care system. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Grace General Hospital, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, H. Bliss Murphy Cancer and Research Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-three consecutive total laryngectomy procedures performed between June 1978 and December 2001 were reviewed. The fistula rate in laryngectomy patients prior to 1988 without pectoralis major myogenous flaps (group A) was compared with that of patients after June 1988 who had this flap routinely used at primary surgery (group B). Analysis of risk factors within those two groups was essentially similar. RESULTS: In group A, the overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was 22.9%. The fistula rate in group B was less than 1%. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that at our tertiary care head and neck oncology centre, we have dramatically decreased the incidence of postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula. By the routine addition of a pectoralis major myogenous flap to cover the pharyngeal defect at surgery, we have substantially and dramatically reduced patient morbidity and mortality and reduced hospital stay, with major financial savings to the health care system.