[Methods of closure for pharyngocutaneous fistula after laryngectomy]

The majority of salivary fistulas after laryngectomy or after laryngo-pharyngectomy close spontaneously within 2-3 weeks, and the remaining require surgical reconstruction. In the years 1987-2000 the pharyngo-cutaneous fistula was closed in 19 patients. The fistula developed after laryngectomy because of larynx cancer T3 and T4. 13 patients were irradiated before. In all the patients laryngectomy was combined with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. Salivary fistula was closed in one stage operation using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: 1) skin island of the flap to replace defect of the neck skin and mobilized mucosa from inside, 2) skin island for lining and deltopectoral skin flap from outside, 3) skin island for lining and free split skin flap for external cover, 4) skin island of the flap divided in two paddeles, one for lining and another for external cover. Indications for each method were discussed. Very good result of total fistula closure was obtained in 15 out of 19 patients. The fistula occurred again in 4 patients, in two of them the failure was caused by cancer recurrence.