Optimal Management of Post-Laryngectomy Pharyngo-Cutaneous Fistula

The pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the most common post-operative complications in patients undergoing laryngectomy. Up till now, there is no universally accepted algorithm for managing of PCFs and several treatment modalities are used for wound healing. The English language literature was searched using PUBMED databases with the keywords “laryngectomy”, “pharyngocutaneous”, “fistula”, “treatment”, and “management” from January 1, 1999 to June 1, 2019; we selected 35 studies according to inclusion criteria and we conducted a systematic review of the articles. The analysis of the international literature shows a high variability of treatment approaches; there is no consensus about conservative treatment and waiting time, and neither about the indication for surgical treatment or the ideal surgical technique. A first attempt of a conservative measure is mandatory in all cases of PCF. In case of failure of conservative measures surgical treatment should be considered: direct closure and local flap are suitable for small defects, pedicled or free flaps showed good to excellent results in closure of large and complex cervical defects. Other non-invasive treatment such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) showed promising results but in limited case series.