The wound amylase concentration in the prediction of pharyngocutaneous fistula
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Published on: March 12, 2019
L Barlas Aydoğan1, Mete Kiroğlu, Ulku Tuncer
1Department of Otolaryngology, Cukurova University Medical Faculty, Balcal, Adana, Turkey. lbaydogan@hotmail.com
Insights
Elevated wound amylase levels after laryngectomy surgery can predict the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Monitoring amylase may help surgeons identify patients at risk for this complication early.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Complications
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a known complication following laryngeal surgery.
- PCF can lead to extended hospital stays and increased patient morbidity.
- Predicting PCF formation is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of wound amylase concentration as a predictor of PCF after laryngectomy.
- To establish a correlation between postoperative amylase levels and the incidence of PCF.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 87 consecutive patients undergoing laryngectomy.
- Measurement of wound amylase concentrations postoperatively.
- Analysis of PCF rates and correlation with amylase levels.
Main Results:
- The overall PCF rate in the study cohort was 11.5%.
- Significantly elevated wound amylase levels were observed on postoperative days 3, 4, and 5 in patients who developed PCF.
- Increased wound amylase levels demonstrated a strong association with PCF development.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative wound amylase levels serve as a significant predictor for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after laryngectomy.
- Monitoring amylase concentrations can alert surgeons to the potential presence of a fistula, enabling earlier management.
Abstract:
Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is not uncommon after laryngeal surgery. Because it leads to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity, it is important to predict the formation of fistula. We studied the wound amylase concentrations of 87 consecutive laryngectomized patients. The PCF rate was 11.5% in this series. The amylase levels in patients with PCF begin to elevate significantly on the third, fourth, and fifth postoperative days. Our data indicate that increase in the wound amylase levels seems to be a significant predictor of PCF, and this should alert the surgeon for the presence of fistula.
