• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 1995

Pharyngocutaneous fistula(PCF) is one of the complications following total laryngectomy in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Fistula lead to delayed wound healing, more serious complications such as carotid blow-out, prolonged hospitalization, significant patient morbidity and occasional mortality. Identification of patients at high risk for fistula formation, appropriate preventive measures, and appropriate management are the head and neck surgeon's responsibility. So we analyzed the clinical data of pharyngocutaneous fistula which was developed after total laryngectomy. Following results were obtained: 1) Occurrence of PCF increases with salvage surgery compared to curative surgery. 2) Early detection and effective management of PCF are the key factors to decreasing the hospitalization period. 3) Constructing a pharyngostoma seems to be an ideal method of preventing dangerous complications and ultimately closing the fistula. 4) Simultaneous reconstruction is necessary in the high risk group.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.530-538
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• 2017

Background A pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common and difficult-to-manage complication after head and neck reconstruction. It can lead to serious complications such as flap failure, carotid artery rupture, and pharyngeal stricture, and may require additional surgery. Previous radiotherapy, a low serum albumin level, and a higher T stage have been proposed as contributing factors. We aimed to clarify the risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients who underwent flap reconstruction and to describe our experiences in treating pharyngocutaneous fistula. Methods Squamous cell carcinoma cases that underwent flap reconstruction after cancer resection from 1995 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. We investigated several significant clinical risk factors. The treatment modality was selected according to the size of the fistula and the state of the surrounding tissue, with options including conservative management, direct closure, flap surgery, and pharyngostoma formation. Results A total of 127 cases (18 with fistulae) were analyzed. A higher T stage (P=0.048) and tube-type reconstruction (P=0.007) increased fistula incidence; other factors did not show statistical significance (P>0.05). Two cases were treated with conservative management, 1 case with direct closure, 4 cases with immediate reconstruction using a pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, and 11 cases with direct closure (4 cases) or additional flap surgery (7 cases) after pharyngostoma formation. Conclusions Pharyngocutaneous fistula requires global management from prevention to treatment. In cases of advanced-stage cancer and tube-type reconstruction, a more cautious approach should be employed. Once it occurs, an accurate diagnosis of the fistula and a thorough assessment of the surrounding tissue are necessary, and aggressive treatment should be implemented in order to ensure satisfactory long-term results.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1987.05a
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• pp.19.2-19
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• 1987

방사선치료후 재발성 또는 잔존성 두경부암의 수술후에 피부판의 괴사 및 slough, 감염, 누공, 부종과 경동맥 노출 심지어는 경동맥 파열 등의 술후 합병증이 빈발함으로 수술에 큰 어려움을 겪게 된다. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap은 진행된 두경부암의 광범위한 절제후에 그 결손부를 보충해 주는 데 좋은 방법으로 사용할 수 있을 뿐아니라 방사선치료후에 생긴 합병증에도 이 flap을 이용하여 좋은 치료결과를 얻을 수 있다. 저자들은 수술 전에 방사선치료를 받고 심한 부종으로 후두조직의 괴사 및 기능이 손실된 환자와 방사선 치료후 재발된 상인두암환자의 경우에서 수술 후 생긴 pharyngocutaneous fistula와 피부판감염 및 경동맥노출 등으로 치유가 곤란하여 여기에 pectoralis major myocutaneous flap을 사용하여 pharyngostoma를 재건하고 노출된 경동맥부위를 보호하여 좋은 치료효과를 얻었기에 문헌을 고찰하여 보고하는 바이다.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.611-616
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• 2009

Purpose: The rate of fistulas occuring followed by resection of oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer are reported to be 9 ~ 23% according to various documents. Neglected treatment of the fistula can result in a setback in proper treatment with restrictions in oral intake leading to delayed return to daily life. Furthurmore, in severe cases, it may injure important vessels and adjacent structures of the neck area. The author reviewed previously reported cases of treatment methods for fistulas recurring after diverse head and neck operations and with sharing the treatment experiments of our patients, we tried to present a treatment algorism for different fistula types. Methods: Our study was based on retrograde analysis of 64 patients who were clinically diagnosed with fistula after operation for cancer of the head and neck from 1997 to 2008 at Severance Hospital. Their primary sites of cancer were 8 oral cavity, 22 oropharynx, 25 hypopharynx, and 9 larynx. The patients were aged 45 to 75 years and the male to female ratio was 11 to 1. The patient's operation records and progress notes were evaluated for determination of degree of fistula and treatment methods. Results: Most fistulas were clinically suspected after postoperative 5 days and symptoms noted for detection of the fistula were erythema, purulent discharge, edema, tenderness, and fluctuation. The fistula was definitely diagnosed at postoperative 2 weeks with barium test and treatment method ranging from conservative management to operative procedure were applied to each patients. Total 21 patients were managed with conservative protocol. In 15 cases, direct repair of the fistula was done and more stable repair of the fistula was possible with using of TachoComb$^{(R)}$. Pharyngostoma was performed in 14 patients. Among them, 4 patients healed spontaneously, 5 patients were taken direct closure, 4 patients were taken pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, and one patient was taken esophageal transfer. The other 14 patients were taken 11 pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps and 3 free flaps without pharyngostoma formation. Conclusion: Fistula is a troublesome complication resulting after resection of head and neck cancer. Early detection and adequate treatment according to the period and condition of the fistula may prevent further complications and reduce the pain of the patient.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.27-30
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• 2019

Parathyroid adenoma can cause extracapsular bleeding. In 1934, Capps first reported a case of massive hemorrhage secondary to rupture of a parathyroid adenoma. Recently, we experienced a 73-year-old female presented with pharyngeal discomfort and extensive ecchymosis over the neck without history of trauma. Endoscopic investigation revealed submucosal hemorrhage in the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. CT scan and ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of a mass below the left thyroid lobe. Serum calcium level was normal and PTH level was elevated. We underwent left thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy 2 weeks later from first visit. During the operation, hypopharyngeal mucosa was teared and it was treated with pharyngostoma formation and L-tube feeding. We report a rare case of normocalcemic parathyroid adenoma with spontaneous hemorrhage and propose the proper management period with a literature review.