Abstract
Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula is a major complication after total laryngectomy in patients with laryngeal cancer. In our department, 83 patients with laryngeal cancer underwent total laryngectomy between January, 1985 and December, 1995. Three patients developed a post-operative fistula (incidence : 3.6%). The additive surgical procedure of radical neck dissection and any laboratory data were not significantly related to fistula formation. Our results show that preoperative irradiation is the most influencing factor on the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula, and furthermore, the adequate drainage of fluid collection from the wound and a pressure dressing are the most important ways to reduce this complication to a minimum. And we should give attention that the fistula is more likely to develop in patients older than 80 years and in patients with an allergy to disinfectants.
