Effect of Low-Pressure Drainage Suction on Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the most severe multifactorial complications following laryngectomy. The current study aimed at determining the effect of a low-pressure vacuum drain on the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy. Methods: The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 35 patients undergoing total laryngectomy in Hazrat Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were divided into the vacuum drain (n = 15) and control (without vacuum drain) (n = 20) groups. The incidence of PCF and the recovery time were recorded. Results: The rate of PCF formation from the stoma and wound edges was significantly lower in the low-pressure vacuum drain group than in the control group (6.7% vs 40%) ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in time to recovery from PCF. Conclusion: The low-pressure vacuum drain method is effective in reducing the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy.