Pharyngeal Repair Research Articles

Stapler versus conventional pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of stapler pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy by the incidence of PCT and assessment of swallowing after surgery. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes in terms of patients’ survival rates.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted on 58 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups according to the method of pharyngeal repair after laryngectomy: manual closure group (n = 28), and stapler group (n = 30). Functional and oncological outcomes were assessed and compared.ResultsThe incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was significantly less in the stapler group. Additionally, operative time was significantly shorter and swallowing function was better in the stapler group compared to the manual group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding survival rates.ConclusionThe stapler is a reliable method for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy if the limits of its indications regarding the primary tumor are considered. Stapler closure decreases the incidence of PCF and decreases the surgical time. Good swallowing outcomes are achieved without compromising the oncological outcomes.

Infrahyoid muscle flap as augmentation of pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy.

To assess the usage of contralateral infrahyoid muscles as onlay flap in prevention of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula (PCF) in total laryngectomy (TL) patients with high risk factors of PCF development. This study included 10 patients who suffered from advanced laryngeal carcinoma with presence of risk factors for development of PCF. We added an enforcement muscular layer during neo-pharynx wall repair, the infrahyoid muscle flap of the contralateral side of the tumour origin as an onlay muscular flap to cover the anastomotic site for healing augmentation. Patients were followed up for PCF development where the PCF incidence was calculated. One patient died from congestive heart failure in the 21th post-operative day so, the actual PCF rate in TL patients with high risk factors of PCF development in our study was 11.11% (1 out of 9 cases). Infrahyoid muscle flap may have a role in preventing PCF after TL in patients with high risk factors of PCF development in this case series study to be further assessed in other studies to justify its role.

Perceived benefit of antibiotics irrigation before pharyngeal repair of severe cut-throat injuries

IntroductionWound irrigation has been employed as an important surgical step to remove bacteria, devitalized tissues, and foreign bodies from surgical sites to prevent infection and confer to the wound maximum potential of healing. MethodA prospective study was conducted at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, between January 2019- August 2023 to assess the benefit of antibiotics as additives in irrigation of dirty wounds.Seven (7) patients in total were presented with severe cut-throat injuries that require laryngopharyngoplasty. A combination of injection ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were used as additives into 1 L of normal saline, low pressure irrigation was done using 20mls syringe fitted to a broken needle or canular. Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was used to assess return of pharyngeal function. ResultThe mean time of presentation of the patients was 34 ± 29 h (µ ± standard deviation) and a range of 6–72 h. The mean repair time was 58.3 ± 38.4 h with a range of 24–120 h. Most of the patients (85.7 %) had dysphagia outcome and severity scale of level 5 when per oral feeding was started with steady progress until discharge day. ConclusionWound irrigation is one of the most crucial steps in treating severe cut-throat injuries. Based on our experience, adding antibiotics to the irrigant has shown potential in the control of local infection, particularly where patients present late.

Endoscopic observation of pharyngeal mucosal suture healing process after total laryngectomy: case series

Background Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), a major complication of total laryngectomy, is caused by pharyngeal repair failure. Objective Assess the usefulness of endoscopic observation of the pharyngeal suture’s healing process for the early detection of PCF development. Methods Pharyngeal mucosal sutures were endoscopically observed postoperatively in patients who underwent total laryngectomy with primary closure. Results Postoperatively, a white coat adhered to the pharyngeal mucosal suture of all patients. In most cases, the white coat gradually receded, which was considered to be a normal healing process. Thickening of the white coat and/or dehiscence of surgical wound were interpreted as ‘poor healing conditions’. Three cases were judged to have developed poor healing conditions of the pharyngeal mucosal suture and one patient developed PCF. The other two patients did not develop PCF, possibly due to early detection of ‘poor healing condition’ and conservative approach, such as discontinuation of oral intake. Conclusions Postoperative poor healing conditions of the pharyngeal mucosal suture may be precursors to PCF development. Endoscopic observation enables early detection of these conditions and may enable the prevention of PCF.

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

The use of staplers in surgical repair of the pharynx after laryngectomy has gained traction in recent years, with differing results. 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. 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. 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). 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.

"Penetrating Neck Injuries: A Comprehensive Study".

Penetrating neck injuries are defined as injury to the neck associated with breach in the platysmal muscle layer. All penetrating neck injuries are potentially dangerous and require emergency intervention due to its proximity to airway, important blood vessels, nerves and other organs in the neck. A complete evaluation, rapid airway intervention and proper surgical repair are highly essential to prevent complications. Clinical evaluation and management of penetrating neck injuries at a tertiary care hospital. In this study, 66 cases of penetrating neck injuries who presented to the emergency department from October 2018 to September 2020 were included. The particulars of the insult like type of instrument causing injury and zone of injury were compared. An analysis of the management of penetrating neck injury with respect to exploration and wound repair and the need for tracheostomy, vascular repair, esophageal repair, laryngeal framework repair and pharyngeal repair was made. The maximum incidence was observed for the age group between 21 and 30years. The object causing the maximum number of neck injuries was knife, in 36 cases. The distribution of cases according to zone of injury revealed that the zone II was most commonly affected in 43 cases. The structures injured in the study indicated that platysma was involved in all the cases, followed by thyroid cartilage in 33 cases. Wound exploration and repair was done in all cases and tracheostomy was done in 44 cases. Complications were vocal cord palsy in 19 patients, 15 had tracheal stenosis, 13 had hoarseness of voice, 7 developed pharyngocutaneous fistula and 1 developed pharyngeal stenosis. There were 2 deaths. 16 patients who attempted suicide had depression. All penetrating neck injuries are potentially dangerous and require emergency treatment because of the presence of important vessels, nerves andorgans in the neck. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy of neck, clinical assessment and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are necessary for appropriate management.

Prophylactic Glycopyrrolate Administration to Aid Otolaryngology Residents in Prevention of Post-laryngectomy Pharyngocutaneous Fistula.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after laryngectomy occurs when there is a failure in the pharyngeal repair resulting in a salivary leak (Dedivitis et al. in Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 27(1):2-5, 2007). In the post-operative period this complication is not only a challenge to the surgeon but also distressing to the patient and his family. We conducted a retrospective cum prospective study, to research the effect of starting prophylactic glycopyrrolate intravenous injection in total laryngectomy. Fifty patients underwent total laryngectomy with modified radical neck dissection over a period of 5years by the trainee otolaryngologists. Of these 25 patients were started on glycopyrrolate for 7 post-operative days. And 25 control patients, who were not given glycopyrrolate. All the patients were observed for evidence of PCF. Of the total 50 patients, only 1 patient in study group and 12 patients in the control group developed PCF. This was statistically significant (p value 0.0039). Tumor stage, site, and gender were found to have no statistically significant correlation with development of PCF. The prophylactic administration of glycopyrrolate was found to reduce the odds of development of PCF in total laryngectomy cases. There was associated blurring of vision and constipation amongst the cases subjects, which was only transient with complete recovery on cessation of drug.

Platelet-rich fibrin: an autologous biomaterial for healing assistance of pharyngeal repair in total laryngectomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application on the pharyngeal repair on decreasing the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 67 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy, over 2years in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: PRF group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32). Risk factors for development of PCF as well as the incidence of PCF were studied in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic data, medical comorbidities, basal hemoglobin and albumin levels, data related to the tumor (location, grade and TNM staging) and surgical details (preoperative tracheotomy and neck dissection). However, regarding the incidence of PCF, there was a statistically significant difference between groups as shown in Table 2. PCF was detected in 2/35 patients (5.7%) in the PRF group and in 10/32 patients (31.3%) in the control group (p = 0.004). PRF application on the pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy enhances the healing process and consequently decreases the incidence of PCF.

Colgajo de pectoral mayor para reconstrucción de defectos faríngeos. Descripción de un caso

Introducción: La fístula faringocutánea post-laringectomía total (LT) continúa siendo una complicación frecuente luego de esta intervención especialmente tras tratamiento radioterápico. Cuando fracasan las medidas conservadoras, es necesario recurrir a cirugía reconstructiva. En nuestro centro se utiliza el colgajo miocutáneo de pectoral mayor (CMPM), que asegura un flujo sanguíneo adecuado para el tratamiento fístulas post-irradiación. Descripción: Presentamos un paciente con una fístula faringocutánea tras LT que requirió una amplia reconstrucción mediante CMPM asimismo discutiremos el importante papel que juega el tratamiento con oxígeno hiperbárico en el manejo de las consecuencias post-radioterapia. Conclusión: En la era de la reconstrucción microvascular, el PMMC puede ser utilizado para la reconstrucción de grandes defectos de cabeza y cuello, consiguiendo una adecuada cobertura tras protocolos de preservación de órgano o pacientes con historia de enfermedad vascular.

Early versus delayed oral feeding post total laryngectomy and relation to trachea-oesophageal fistula formation

Abstract Background total laryngectomy is the most common procedure in treatment of advanced laryngeal malignant tumors. Total laryngectomy although an important and reliable method of management, still carries a lot of short term and long term complications. One of the common complications is the pharyngocutaneous fistula. Being a major risk factor of longer hospital stay, morbidity and wound infection. Pharyngocutaneous fistula is studied carefully concerning causes, risk factors and management. Oral feeding and voice rehabilitation are two valuable outcomes for the patient. Both could be disturbed by occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. Oral feeding usually starts by the seventh to tenth day postoperative to allow adequate time for pharyngeal closure as believed by many surgeons for decades. Recent studies including our study discuss the possibility of early oral feeding versus conventional delayed feeding and its advantages regarding hospital stay and incidence of fistula. Aim The aim of this study is to points out the rate of pharyngocutaneous fistulae incidence after total laryngectomy in two different groups of patients depending on timing of post-operative oral feeding. Oral feeding usually starts after 7-10 days of surgery to allow for complete healing and closure of pharyngeal repair. Methodology A meta-analysis study is done to assess the feasibility and the possibility of early oral feeding after total laryngectomy versus delayed oral feeding. The outcome is the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in each group. Results In all included studies the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was 168/1374 (12.23%) in early feeding group versus 69/570 (12.11%) in the delayed feeding group. The statistical difference was insignificant P > 0.05 Conclusion Early oral feeding after total laryngectomy during the first 72 hours post-operative is a safe clinical practice and results in shorter hospital stay.

Intraoperative Dye Test in Total Laryngectomy: A Technique to Reduce the Incidence of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula.

Background:Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) could complicate laryngectomy in advanced disease. The cause is multifactorial, and this may include poor technique in pharyngeal repair. Intraoperative assessment of the repaired mucosa integrity for adequate closure may reduce PCF, but this is not routinely done.Objective:The objective of this study is to describe a novel technique that has been successfully used to ascertain intraoperative pharyngeal repair integrity.Methods:Thirty-one patients who had total laryngectomy and pharyngeal reconstruction for locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were studied. Connell extramucosal suturing technique was used for the mucosal repair. Thereafter, a small feeding tube was introduced through the oral cavity to the site of the pharyngeal repair, and diluted methylene-blue dye was injected through it while digitally occluding the cervical esophagus. Whenever leakage of the dye was seen, the leakage site (s) was repaired. Thereafter, the dye test would be repeated to confirm the integrity of the repair.Results:Their mean age was 53.4 ± 10.9 years. Seven (22.6%) patients had Stage 3 disease and 24 (77.4%) had Stage 4 disease. All the patients had neck dissection, whereas 3 (9.7%) patients had salvage laryngectomy postradiotherapy. Dye test was performed intraoperatively for all the patients and leakages were seen in 4 (12.9%) patients which were successfully repaired. Oral feeding was commenced on the fifth postoperative day, and none of the patients had PCF.Conclusion:Performing a dye test intraoperatively helps detect the point of leakage and immediate repair will prevent PCF.

Swallowing Characteristics in Zenker's-like Diverticulum After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

A Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a hypopharyngeal pulsion diverticula caused by dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle with herniation of hypopharyngeal mucosa through Killian's dehiscence. Anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) can cause a Zenker's-like traction diverticulum (ZTD) with a similar presentation but different pathophysiology. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the fluoroscopic parameters and surgical outcomes of ZTD after ACSS to those of typical ZD. Case-control study. The charts of patients undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study after ACSS between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2018, were evaluated for evidence of ZTD. Patients with ZTD were age and gender matched to persons with ZD. Fluoroscopic parameters and patient-reported outcomes were compared between groups. Eleven patients with ZTD were identified. The mean pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) was significantly higher for persons with ZTD (0.87 [±0.07] vs. 0.17 [±0.08]; P < 0.05). Mean hyolaryngeal elevation was significantly less (2.5 [±0.9] cm vs. 3.5 [±0.7] cm) and mean diverticulum size significantly smaller (1.3 [±1.0] cm vs. 2.3 [±2.0] cm) for persons with ZTD (P < 0.05). Five ZTD patients had exposed hardware necessitating open approach for removal. We report the largest cohort of ZTD after ACSS. ZTD are smaller than traditional Zenker's and associated with more pharyngeal weakness, poorer laryngeal elevation, and worse treatment outcomes. Although these diverticula can be managed endoscopically, the high percentage of exposed cervical hardware necessitates a thorough preoperative assessment and frequent need for open management and pharyngeal repair. 3b Laryngoscope, 130:1383-1387, 2020.

Perioperative Management of Total Laryngectomy Patients: A Survey of American Head and Neck Society Surgeons.

Standards of care for total laryngectomy (TL) patients in the postoperative period have not been established. Perioperative care remains highly variable and perhaps primarily anecdotally based. The aim of this study was to survey members of the American Head and Neck Society to capture management practices in the perioperative care of TL patients. In this survey study, an electronic survey was distributed to the international attending physician body of the American Head and Neck Society. Forty-five-question electronic surveys were distributed. A total of 777 members were invited to respond, of whom 177 (22.8%) fully completed the survey. The survey elicited information on management preferences in the perioperative care of TL patients. Differences in management on the basis of irradiation status and pharyngeal repair (primary closure vs regional or free flap reconstruction) were ascertained. Main outcomes and measures were time to initiate oral feeding, perioperative antibiotic selection and duration, and estimated pharyngocutaneous fistula rates. These measures were stratified by patient type. Most respondents completed head and neck fellowships (77.0%) and practice at academic tertiary centers (72.3%). Ampicillin/sulbactam was the most preferred perioperative antibiotic (43.2%-49.1% depending on patient type), followed by cefazolin and metronidazole in combination (32.0%-33.7%) and then clindamycin (10.8%-12.6%). Compared with nonirradiated patients, irradiated patients were significantly more likely to have longer durations of antibiotics ( P < .05), longer postoperative times to initiate oral feeding ( P < .05), and higher estimated fistula rates ( P < .05). Additionally, in nonirradiated patients, flap-repaired patients (vs primary repair) were significantly more likely to have longer durations of antibiotics (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.48) and postoperative times to initiate oral feeding (odds ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-2.84). Perioperative management of TL patients is highly variable. Management of antibiotics and oral feeding are significantly affected by irradiation status and scope of pharyngeal repair. Further studies are needed to standardize perioperative care for this unique patient population.

Use of surgical sealant in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a major wound complication of total laryngectomy. Surgical sealants may be used to increase the strength and/or integrity of surgical repairs. The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of the feasibility and utility of the application of sealant to the pharyngeal repair with the aim of reducing pharyngocutaneous fistula incidence. This was a prospective single-blind randomized controlled study; patients undergoing primary total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx were randomized into control and treatment (albumin-polyaldehyde sealant applied to pharyngeal repair) groups. Relevant patient, disease, and management-related factors were recorded. Forty-five patients were included (23 controls and 22 who received treatments). No difference in the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was observed between the 2 groups. No treatment-related complications occurred. Feasibility of application of an albumin-polyaldehyde surgical sealant to the pharyngeal repair was demonstrated, however, a pharyngocutaneous fistula-preventative effect was not observed. Larger animal and clinical studies are encouraged to clarify this finding.

Linear stapler closure of the pharynx in laryngectomy: our experience (endoscopic closed technique)

Background: Total laryngectomy is the surgical treatment for advanced laryngeal carcinoma. Recently it’s used the linear stapler to treat laryngeal carcinoma. The pharyngeal repair is performed with layered sutures, or using a linear stapler device, using technique of closed pharyngoplasty with linear stapler, by laryngoscope’s guide to see and to hook epiglottis through the trachea. Methods: We compared the results between total laryngectomy technique with conventional manual suture with needle and gut and closed technique adopted by our otolaryngology’s service with mechanical stapler (GIA) in advanced laryngeal carcinoma. We used a linear stapler Ethicon endo-surgery 90 mm (Proximate) with 76 titanium staples and an integrated scalpel (dimension open suture: 3.0 mm × 3.85 mm) and an endoscope (2.7 mm 0°). Results: We had an important reduction of surgical times, less immediate complications, reduction of length of stay in hospital with the gastric nose tube and reduction of general length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Comparing to the traditional technique, the use of mechanical sutures improve significantly: the surgical time, reducing the length of hospital stay, restoring the physiological oral nutrition and the time of removal of the gastric nose tube. Finally, we demonstrated the reduction in the incidence of complications such as fistula and postoperative fever.

Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous/Myofascial Flap and Split Skin Grafting for Repair of Post Laryngectomy Pharyngo Cutaneous Fistula: An Undemanding and a Reliable Solution.

Pharyngo cutaneous fistula occurs in 16-32% of cases after laryngectomy. Repair of a non healing fistula is a reconstructive challenge due to inherent problems like malnutrition, lung infection, infected and soiled neck wound, irradiated neck field and hypothyroid status. As the defect is composite involving the neck and the aero digestive tract, there is requirement for two epithelial surfaces. The selected flaps should be thin and rigid to maintain a patent food passage and an unobstructed tracheostoma. From January 2008 to December 2016 we operated 14 cases of post laryngectomy pharyngo cutaneous fistula. 12 cases had undergone radiotherapy before laryngectomy. Duration of the fistula was 2-9months. There was history of previous reconstructive attempts in four cases. The size of the neck defects ranged from 2cm×4cm to 4cm×8cm. In four cases, primary pharyngeal repair, Pectoralis major myofascial flap reinforcement and split skin grafting was done. In 10 cases, pharyngeal repair by Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and split skin graft was done. Follow up was for 3months to 3years. In 13 cases, the fistula and the neck wound healed well and there was no recurrence of the fistula. Patients were on normal oral diet. One patient succumbed to the disease due to tumour recurrence at the tracheostomy site. We propose PMMF/PMMC flap and SSG for the reconstruction of post laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula as an undemanding and a reliable solution.

A Comparative Study of Pharyngeal Repair in Two Layers Versus Three Layers, Following Total Laryngectomy in Carcinoma of Larynx.

Larynx is the second most common site for cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract. One of the dreaded complications following total laryngectomy has been pharyngo cutaneous fistula (PCF). PCF merits special attention due to its significant negative impact on the recovery process. Total laryngectomy profoundly alters speech. Effective voice restoration is essential for the rehabilitation of these patients. Inadequate consensus exists as to the best technique of pharyngeal repair to decrease incidence of PCF and ensure good quality voice following total laryngectomy. 21 patients were included in the study for total laryngectomy with trachea oesophageal voice prosthesis placement. Patients were randomised into 2 groups. Group A had their pharynx repaired in two layers and Group B had it done in three layers. Post operatively the patients were followed up for a period of 12months to look for incidence of PCF. Subjective and objective evaluation of voice was done. 9.52% of patients developed PCF. All of the cases of PCF were in the group repaired in three layers. In cases with repair by two layers the mean Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10) score was 19.27 and those with three layers pharyngeal repair was 23.20. Average maximum phonation time amongst the study population was 13.09. In three layers and two layers pharyngeal repair the average maximum phonation time was 12.56 and 13.58 respectively. Surgical repair of pharynx in two layers excluding the third layer of pharyngeal musculature reduces the chance of PCF. Two layers pharyngeal repair supplemented by cricopharyngeal myotomy led to significantly better voice outcome.

Onlay Adipofascial Flap for Pharyngotomy Defects Post Salvage Laryngectomy: A Case Series Review

Salvage total laryngectomy following radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy is known to be associated with a high rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula(PCF) due to the impaired healing capacity of the tissue bed. Numerous techniques have been introduced to minimise wound healing complications and PCF in salvage laryngectomy patients, the most common being a pedicled pectoralis major myofascial/myocutaneous flap as an onlay to bolster the pharyngotomy repair or a fasciocutaneous free flaps (eg: ALT, radial forearm) which is interposed between the pharyngeal mucosa.1,2 With the improved reliability of free flap surgery, we are reporting on an alternative method of bolstering the pharyngeal repair with an adipofascial radial forearm free flap to act as a bolster overlying the pharyngotomy closure to improve tissue vascularity and reinforce the pharyngeal suture line in this group of previously irradiated patients.

Delayed presentation of pharyngeal erosion after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is common, with a prevalence ranging between 28% and 57% of cases. However, nearly all cases resolve spontaneously within 2 years, thus identifying patients who require more detailed or invasive work-up is a challenging task for clinicians. A review of literature reveals a paucity of case reports detailing work-up and successful management options. The authors performed a clinical and radiographic review of a case of a 47-year-old female who presented with persistent dysphagia 3 years following anterior cervical spine surgery and was found to have an erosive pharyngeal defect with exposed spinal hardware. The diagnosis was made with direct laryngoscopy and treatment consisted of plate removal and pharyngeal repair, followed by revision fusion with deformity correction. This case and the accompanying pertinent review of the literature highlight the importance of a thorough evaluation of dysphagia, especially in the mid- and late-term postoperative period following ACDF, when most cases of dysphagia should have been resolved. Correctly identifying the underlying etiology of dysphagia may lead to improved revision of ACDF outcomes. Unresolved dysphagia should be a red flag for surgeons as it may be the presentation of erosive esophageal/pharyngeal damage, a rare but serious complication following ACDF.

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

ObjectivesPharyngocutaneous 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsPharyngocutaneous 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.ConclusionWe 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.