Stapler versus conventional pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy: a randomized clinical trial

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of stapler pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy by the incidence of PCT and assessment of swallowing after surgery. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes in terms of patients' survival rates.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 58 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups according to the method of pharyngeal repair after laryngectomy: manual closure group (n = 28), and stapler group (n = 30). Functional and oncological outcomes were assessed and compared.

The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was significantly less in the stapler group. Additionally, operative time was significantly shorter and swallowing function was better in the stapler group compared to the manual group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding survival rates.

The stapler is a reliable method for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy if the limits of its indications regarding the primary tumor are considered. Stapler closure decreases the incidence of PCF and decreases the surgical time. Good swallowing outcomes are achieved without compromising the oncological outcomes.