Causes and consequences of anterior pharyngeal pouch after total laryngectomy. Issue 2 (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, S; Hogan, D; Panizza, B
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 128:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: S39
• Page End: S42
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215114000462
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec1"> <title>Objectives:</title> <p>To assess the frequency of anterior pharyngeal pouch formation after total laryngectomy, and to discuss the causes and consequences of anterior pharyngeal pouch formation.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec2"> <title>Study design:</title> <p>A prospective, observational study of 43 patients undergoing total laryngectomy.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec3"> <title>Methods:</title> <p>Data collected included laryngeal defect closure type, tumour staging and demographic information. A barium swallow was performed on day 7–14 after surgery to assess for anterior pharyngeal pouch formation and fistula formation.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec4"> <title>Results:</title> <p>The incidence of anterior pharyngeal pouch formation was 47 per cent. Patients who did not have an anterior pharyngeal pouch on swallow imaging assessment were less likely to develop a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. There was no statistically significant association between laryngeal defect closure type and anterior pharyngeal pouch formation.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec5"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>The anterior pharyngeal pouch is a dynamic phenomenon best investigated with a fluoroscopic swallow imaging study. Its causes are multi-factorial. Absence of an anterior pharyngeal pouch appears to confer protection against pharyngo-cutaneous fistula formation, hastening commencement of adjuvant therapy and an oral diet.</p> </sec> </abstract>