Comparison of outcomes for staple and conventional closure of the pharynx following total laryngectomy
Sannikorn, P.; Pornniwes, N.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 96 Suppl. 3: S89-S93
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 23682529 Document Number: 11696
Closure of the wall of the pharynx is an important step in the total laryngectomy operation. An inadequate closure results in tissue contamination, wound infection, and the development of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. To study the outcomes of neo-pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy by stapler compared with conventional techniques. A retrospective descriptive study of patients undergoing total laryngectomy with either pharyngeal stapling or suturing between January 2007 and December 2011. Twenty-six patients had pharyngeal stapling, while another twenty-six had a conventional pharyngeal closure. The operative time was significantly less in the stapler group (p < 0.001). Pharyngeal stapling might be an alternative technique for total laryngectomy.