[The stapler in total laryngectomy with closed technique].
AIMS AND BACKGROUNDS: The use of the stapler in total laryngectomy with closed technique is described by the authors.


METHODS
From October 1999 to December 2002, 27 total laryngectomy were performed, 15 with a stapler and 5 cases had a primary tracheoesophageal puncture.


RESULTS
Only one patient developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula, no other patients experienced post-operative complications. All cases in this study had negative surgical margins.


CONCLUSIONS
The correct indication for the use of the stapler is a tumor that needs a total laryngectomy, but completely endolaryngeal. The technique allows to remove the nso-gastric tube at the end of the first week after the operation, to avoid soiling the surgical field, to reduce the time in theatre. This technique seems to be safe as the traditional suture.
Manola
M
M
Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Napoli, Fondazione G Pascale, Divisione di Otorinolaringoiatria.
D'Angelo
L
L
Longo
F
F
De Vivo
S
S
Villano
S
S
De Maria
G
G
Ionna
F
F
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling