Comparing Closure Techniques for Pharyngeal Mucosa After Total Laryngectomy: Manual Suture, Linear Stapler, and Thyroid Gland Flap-A Retrospective Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of manual suture (group A), linear stapler (group B), and thyroid gland flap (group C) for pharyngeal mucosal closure after total laryngectomy (TL) in laryngeal cancer patients. Methods: The data of laryngeal cancer patients who underwent TL between January 1, 2017, and December 1, 2021, were analyzed. Patients were categorized into group A, group B, and group C based on the closure technique. Various parameters, including general data, hospitalization days, total cost, pharyngeal closure time, pharyngeal fistula, pre- and post-surgical calcium levels, and thyroid function indexes, were compared. Results: The study included 81 patients (mean age: 64.09 +/- 9.20 years), the general data of the 3 groups of patients were comparable. Tumor stage and primary tumor location varied significantly among the groups (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Group A was more commonly used for advanced-stage tumors with widespread invasion. Group B was primarily used for early-stage tumors localized to the larynx. Group C was preferred for cases with mucosal defects or extensive hypopharyngeal invasion. Group B presented a significantly shorter operation time and slightly lower total cost (P = .006). Pharyngeal fistula incidence was 17.28% (14/81), with comparable rates among the groups [12.35% (10/50) in group A, 12.5% (2/16) in group B, and 13.3% (2/15) in group C]. No dysphagia complications were observed during the 2-to-5-year follow-up. Blood calcium levels and thyroid function indicators showed no significant differences before and after surgery among the 3 groups (P > .05). Conclusion: Thyroid gland flap is a safe option that can be used to repair mucosal defects and close the pharyngeal cavity after TL surgery, but in the absence of mucosal defects and widespread tumor invasion, linear staplers are the most time-efficient method.