Korean J Head Neck Oncol.  2019 Nov;35(2):51-55. 10.21593/kjhno/2019.35.2.51.

Pharyngocutaneous Fistula which Occurred During Postoperative Radiotherapy in Larynx Cancer Patient with Dementia

• Kim JJ
• Kang JY
• Choi IJ
• Lee MC

• KMID: 2469236
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21593/kjhno/2019.35.2.51

Abstract

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a relatively common, but serious complication after pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer surgery. It can cause wound infection, longer hospitalization period and sometimes carotid artery rupture which can be fatal. Recently, we experienced a 63-year-old larynx cancer patient who had dementia and alcoholic liver cirrhosis for underlying diseases. He underwent total laryngectomy and both neck dissection, and pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred during postoperative radiotherapy. Pharyngocutaneous fistula during postoperative radiotherapy has not yet reported in the literature, and there are few reports about pre and postoperative management of dementia patient after head and neck cancer surgery. Therefore, we report this case with a brief review of literature.

Keyword

Pharyngocutaneous; Fistula; Radiotherapy; Dementia; Laryngectomy

MeSH Terms

Carotid Arteries
Dementia*
Fistula*
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Hospitalization
Humans
Laryngeal Neoplasms*
Laryngectomy
Larynx*
Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic
Middle Aged
Neck Dissection
Radiotherapy*
Rupture
Wound Infection