Pharyngocutaneous fistulae following laryngectomy.

This retrospective analysis of 100 patients revealed a postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula rate of 15.3% following total laryngectomy, and 21.4% following partial pharyngolaryngectomy. All fistulae were benign. None resulted in mortality. The most significant risk factor for the development of fistulae is prior radiotherapy, especially high dose (greater than 5000 rads). Other factors include postoperative haemoglobin less than 12.0 g/dl, pyriform sinus tumour, and larger tumour size. Both the prior administration of radiotherapy and the site of the fistula opening most influence management problems.