Open Surgical Excision Versus Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation for Piriform Fossa Fistula

The purpose of this study is to explore the curative effect of open surgical excision and endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RA) in the treatment of piriform fossa fistula (PSF).

Retrospective study of 80 cases of PSF in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, from June 2009 to June 2017.

In this series, there were 43 males and 37 females, and the mean age was 5.2 years (17 days to 12 years). Surgical excision was performed for 62 patients. Radiofrequency ablation was performed for 18 patients. Six cases of postoperative temporary hoarseness occurred, and the hoarseness rates were not significantly different between the excision and RA groups (6.4% vs 11.1%, respectively, P = .88). Two cases of temporary neck abscess occurred in the RA group. After the mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (1-8 years), no recurrence was found between the excision and RA groups.

The curative effect of excision and RA for PSF is not significantly different; each of the 2 methods has its advantages and disadvantages. However, RA for PSF has the merit of being minimally invasive, easy to operate, and safe; this procedure seems to be more suitable in the clinic.