Neck Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Post-Laryngectomy Wound Complications

Objective: We investigated the relationship between paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area (PVM CSA) at the third vertebra (C3) level using computerized tomography (CT) neck images and its relationship with complications after total laryngectomy. Design: Retrospective analysis of 60 advanced laryngeal cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy was performed. The cross-sectional areas of paravertebral neck muscles using neck CT at C3 level images obtained preoperatively were analyzed. Results: A significant difference in PVM CSA between complication and no complication groups, F(1, 53 = 4.319, P = .043), was identified by ANCOVA. There were no significant differences in between-subject effects: T-stage (F = 1.652, P = .204), body mass index (F = 0.889, P = .35), albumin (F = .359, P = .552), age (F = 1.623 P = .208), and smoking (F = 4.319, P = .41). Conclusion: The PVM CSA measured at C3 level on pretreatment CT may help identify patients at higher risk of postoperative wound complications after total laryngectomy and who may particularly benefit from preoperative optimization of nutritional status.