Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2024 Apr;67(4):245-250. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2023.00864.

Usefulness of Endoluminal Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula

• Lee HB
• Kim GJ
• Hwang J
• Lee JK

• KMID: 2554652
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2023.00864

Abstract

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a communication created between the pharynx and skin of the neck associated with flap reconstruction or primary closure of a pharyngeal defect. In patients who underwent laryngectomy and pharyngectomy, salivary accumulation in the deep neck space through the pharyngeal dehiscence can cause life-threatening complications, among which is carotid artery blow-out. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, compressive dressing, and artificial nutrition are usually applied first. Many closing methods have been studied, both surgically (direct repair or using flaps) and non-surgically (negative pressure therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or botulinum toxin injection). The use of a vacuum-assisted closure system placed endoluminally or externally has been recently reported to treat any leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Here, we report a successfully-treated PCF using the endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure system.

Keyword

Cutaneous fistula; Laryngectomy; Negative-pressure wound therapy; Pharyngectomy