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Late-Breaking Scientific Oral Presentations

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Session: Late Breaking Scientific Orals 1

Association Between Closure Technique and Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Formation in 778 Laryngectomy Patients: Multicenter Study

Saturday, October 11, 2025
3:00 PM - 3:06 PM EDT
Location: 245
Introduction: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most commonly reported postoperative complication following total laryngectomy. This study aims to evaluate fistula rates based on the type of closure: primary versus flap (regional versus free) and the inset (inlay versus overlay).

Methods: This multi-center retrospective cohort study collected data from 778 patients treated with a total laryngectomy between 1997 and 2024 at multiple tertiary care centers.

Results: The overall fistula rate was 13.8%. There were no differences in fistula rates amongst patients with a history of radiation, chemoradiation, or primary surgery (p = 0.384). There was a significant difference in PCF rates based on repair type (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: Prior treatment modality (radiation, chemoradiation, or primary surgery) was not associated with differences in PCF rates. The radial forearm free flap inlay demonstrated the lowest fistula rates compared to primary closure and regional flaps, both inlay and overlay.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Weilong Wang, MD

    Resident
    Tripler Army Medical Center | Wright State University
    Waipahu, HI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • MM

    Michael S. Metry, MD

    Resident
    Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals | Wright State University
    Dayton, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Weilong Wang, MD

    Resident
    Tripler Army Medical Center | Wright State University
    Waipahu, HI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • SK

    Sameep P. Kadakia, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Wright State University, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • MM

    Michael S. Metry, MD

    Resident
    Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals | Wright State University
    Dayton, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.