Fistula rates after salvage laryngectomy: comparing pectoralis myofascial and myocutaneous flaps.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Salvage laryngectomy after failed organ preservation often has a high complication rate, pharyngocutaneous fistulas being the most common. These fistulas increase morbidity, prolong hospitalization, and potentially delay adjuvant treatment. Fistula rates in the literature range from 3% to 65%. Use of the pectoralis flap to prevent fistula formation has been adopted as a common practice at our institution. A review of our experience using the overlay myofascial showed a higher than desired complication rate. The aim of this study is to assess whether the use of integrated myocutaneous flap results in a lower fistula rate. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of 30 patients followed by a pilot study of 10 patients. All underwent salvage laryngectomy after failed organ preservation. METHODS The operation notes of 40 laryngectomy patients were analyzed. The patient/tumor characteristics, pretreatment, neck dissection, flap type, and fistula rate were documented. RESULTS The patient sample was 25% female. All patients received prior radiotherapy, but only 37.5% received prior chemoradiation. Neck dissections were performed in 80% of these patients, 76% of the myocutaneous group, and 84% of the myofascial group. Advanced tumor stage was found in 42% of the myofascial group and 52% of the myocutaneous group. Five of the 19 myofascial patients developed a fistula, whereas seven of the 21 myocutaneous patients developed a fistula. CONCLUSIONS The use of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap (PMCF) in this pilot series did not show a lower rate of fistula; other alternatives should be pursued to decrease this complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.