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Published on: April 17, 2020
Using a linear stapler for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy.
Xinrui Zhang1, Zhimin Liu, Quan Li
1State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Summary
This study found that using a linear stapler for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy (TL) is safe and effective. This technique simplifies the procedure, reduces complications like pharyngocutaneous fistula, and is suitable for select patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Total laryngectomy (TL) is a surgical procedure for advanced laryngeal cancer.
- Pharyngeal closure is a critical step in TL, influencing postoperative outcomes.
- Traditional methods of pharyngeal closure can be associated with complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a linear stapler device for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy.
- To assess the impact of linear stapler use on surgical margins, complications, and functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 21 patients undergoing total laryngectomy.
- TA-60 linear stapler used for pharyngeal closure.
- Data collected included patient demographics, cancer staging, surgical margins, and postoperative course (complications, swallowing, hospital stay).
Main Results:
- All 21 patients achieved negative surgical margins.
- One patient (4.8%) developed a minor pharyngocutaneous fistula.
- Patients resumed oral intake on postoperative day 7, with a mean hospital stay of 10 days.
Conclusions:
- Linear stapler use for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy is a simple, reliable, and practical technique.
- This method avoids surgical field contamination, reduces operative time, and lowers the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.
- The linear stapler technique is recommended for clinical application in selected total laryngectomy cases.
