Pharyngocutaneous fistula caused by dried 'Kombu' (edible seaweed) after total laryngectomy. Issue 2 (26th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kusaba, Yuki; Miwa, Toru; Ise, Momoko; Minoda, Ryosei
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 2(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02-26
• Subjects: rehabilitation medicine -- head and neck cancer -- nutritional support; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : The most common early complication after total laryngectomy is pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). However, there are no reports of PCF after total laryngectomy caused by 'Kombu' (edible seaweed) as a foreign body in the digestive tract. A 68-year-old Japanese man had undergone total laryngectomy 5 years previously. He presented with PCF, neck swelling and pain. Video endoscopy showed that a dark green foreign body obstructed the digestive tract. PCF was successfully treated via emergency surgery comprising abscess drainage, foreign body removal and fistula closure. The foreign body was kombu. Clinicians who perform total laryngectomy should know the potential dangers of consuming hygroscopic food items that can cause bolus obstruction of the upper digestive tract and pharyngeal abscess and perforation.