Use of a T-tube in management of a pharyngeal fistula after laryngectomy.
Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a frequent complication after total laryngectomy, and may cause the patient to remain hospitalized for long periods of time while efforts are made to close the defect. We describe a case in which a gallbladder T-tube was used to hasten closure of a recalcitrant fistula, and we have since used this often as an adjunct to the customary methods of management of this complication.
D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing