Closure of difficult pharyngocutaneous fistula following salvage laryngectomy: Case report

Abstract

The patient was a 74-year-old man. A total laryngectomy was performed due to recurrence of laryngeal cancer after chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Postoperatively, a pharyngocutaneous fistula developed and patch-graft reconstruction using a pectoral major musculocutaneous flap was planned. However, due to expansion of the necrotic area, we needed to perform tubular reconstruction. Nevertheless, infection and pus discharge were observed and a second surgery was performed. Resection and reconstruction at the neck were considered impossible because advanced necrosis was seen at the cervical esophageal stump, and the operative procedure was changed to esophageal resection, gastric pull-up and free jejunum transfer. Although leakage was found at the jejunum-gastric anastomosis site by fluoroscopy on the 14th postoperative day, it disappeared through conservative therapy. In addition, oral ingestion was begun on the 28th postoperative day. At 6 months after the surgery, the patient was able to regularly intake food and no constriction of the tracheostoma was seen. In this case, unexpected expansion of the necrotic area was a significant problem. As for the causes, diminished blood flow to the esophagus due to total thyroidectomy and bilateral paratracheal lymph node dissection, and infection in the surrounding area, along with remarkable tissue damage with CRT were considered possible. In salvage surgery, attention will be necessary in evaluating necrotic range and selection of appropriate reconstructive procedure. © 2013 Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer.