J Audiol Otol.  2022 Jan;26(1):31-35. 10.7874/jao.2021.00549.

Patients Requiring Gastrostomy Tube Insertion After Total Laryngectomy Have a Higher Incidence of Otitis Media

• Jung Y
• Cho A
• Yang S
• Jeon Y
• Bae SH

• KMID: 2524219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2021.00549

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Some reports propose an increased risk of otitis media and hearing impairment after total laryngectomy. However, the incidence of otitis media following laryngectomy and the mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of otitis media after total laryngectomy.
Subjects and Methods
This retrospective cohort study assessed 77 patients who underwent total laryngectomy from 2010 to 2020 in a tertiary referral center. Serial imaging studies (computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography-CT) were used to assess otitis media.
Results
The study enrolled 58 patients (mean age, 67.0±7.7 years; male, 56 [96.6%]); nine (15.5%) underwent a gastrostomy tube (four preoperatively and five postoperatively). Otitis media was confirmed in seven (12.1%) patients. Gastrostomy tube insertion was the only significant risk factor for otitis media (p=0.012). Of the nine patients who underwent gastrostomy tube insertion, four developed otitis media; all four had the procedure after laryngectomy.
Conclusions
This study found an increased incidence of otitis media after total laryngectomy. Swallowing difficulties likely contribute to otitis media as it occurred more frequently in patients requiring postoperative gastrostomy tube insertion.

Keyword

Otitis media; Laryngectomy; Gastrostomy; Incidence; Risk factors