Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique
Published on: April 1, 2022
Arterial calcification on preoperative computed tomography imaging as a risk factor for pharyngocutaneous fistula
Sandra I Bril1, Najiba Chargi1, Thomas F Pezier1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Background:
Research in esophageal surgery showed that computed tomography (CT) assessed arterial calcification (AC) is associated with postoperative complications. We investigated the association between AC and pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation after laryngectomy.
Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laryngectomy. AC was scored at 10 different anatomical locations on CT imaging, blinded for PCF occurrence. Association with PCF was investigated using logistic regression.
Results:
The 224 patients were included; 62 (27.7%) developed a PCF. Moderate to severe AC was widespread in patients undergoing TL; 7.1% of patients had at most mild AC, of whom 1 experienced a PCF (p = 0.05). A higher cumulative calcification score was associated with PCF in univariable (OR 1.11, p = 0.04) and multivariable analysis (OR 1.14, p = 0.05).
Conclusion:
AC is widespread in patients undergoing laryngectomy and its burden is associated with PCF. Extensive AC on preoperative imaging may be considered a risk factor for PCF.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management