Negative Pressure Tube Drainage for the Management of Pharyngocutaneous Fistulas in Patients Following Total Laryngectomy

Background: The treatment of a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is typically a lengthy and arduous process, often causing significant pain for patients. This study aims to introduce a new method of treating PCF, negative pressure tube drainage (NPTD). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 43 patients who developed PCF after laryngectomy. Of these, 20 patients received NPTD, while the remaining 23 were treated with open wound dressing change (OWC). Clinical indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: The NPTD group showed significant reductions in hospital stay, duration of low albumin/hemoglobulin, and postoperative medical costs compared to the OWC group. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the time from fistula formation to wound closure. The mean healing time was 20.57 days in the OWC group and 22.15 days in the NPTD group, respectively, which did not delay adjuvant therapies. Conclusions: NPTD therapy is a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for pharyngocutaneous fistulas.