Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
Risk factors for tracheal necrosis after total pharyngolaryngectomy
Masahide Fujiki1, Shimpei Miyamoto2, Minoru Sakuraba1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan.
Background:
Tracheal necrosis is a severe complication of total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL). The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for tracheal necrosis after TPL.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective chart review of 177 patients who had undergone TPL. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were examined, and possible risk factors for tracheal necrosis were subjected to univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
Tracheal necrosis occurred in 35 patients (19.8%), and tracheoesophageal fistula subsequently developed in 3 of these patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified total esophagectomy and diabetes mellitus as significant risk factors for tracheal necrosis after TPL.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study will be useful for assessing the risk of tracheal necrosis after TPL. In patients at high risk for tracheal necrosis, efforts should be made to preserve the tracheal circulation and to prevent life-threatening sequelae if tracheal necrosis occurs.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
01:16Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
01:22Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
01:21Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:23Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...