Thyroid Gland Flap for Prevention of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

Objectives Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the one of the major complications after total laryngectomy (TL), which can result in saliva leakage, rupture of major vessels, and increased hospitalization. Several flaps have been tried to prevent PCF during TL, and they are usually associated with donor site morbidity and uncertain viability in case of previously irradiated patients. This study aimed to report a novel bilateral pedicled thyroid gland flap (TGF) technique for delicate and effective reinforcement of neopharynx suture line after TL. Methods Bilateral pedicled TGF was performed for the reinforcement of neopharynx T-shape suture sites after TL in this case series. Results A total of five cases of the TGF were performed during TL, with four of them being salvage setting following previous chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The well-adapted and viable TGF status was confirmed by post-operative computed tomography scan and normally preserved thyroid hormone levels in all patients. No post-operative infections, hemorrhage, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or PCF were reported. Conclusion The TGF is an effective and reliable flap in TL patents and should be considered as a method in neopharynx reconstruction, even in salvage TL following prior CRT.