Use of surgical sealant in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy

Background Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a major wound complication of total laryngectomy. Surgical sealants may be used to increase the strength and/or integrity of surgical repairs. The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of the feasibility and utility of the application of sealant to the pharyngeal repair with the aim of reducing pharyngocutaneous fistula incidence. Methods This was a prospective single-blind randomized controlled study; patients undergoing primary total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx were randomized into control and treatment (albumin-polyaldehyde sealant applied to pharyngeal repair) groups. Relevant patient, disease, and management-related factors were recorded. Results Forty-five patients were included (23 controls and 22 who received treatments). No difference in the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was observed between the 2 groups. No treatment-related complications occurred. Conclusion Feasibility of application of an albumin-polyaldehyde surgical sealant to the pharyngeal repair was demonstrated, however, a pharyngocutaneous fistula-preventative effect was not observed. Larger animal and clinical studies are encouraged to clarify this finding.