Effect of Cervical Epidural Analgesia on the Occurrence of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most commonly reported postoperative complication in total laryngectomy patients. PCF significantly increases morbidity, length of hospitalization, and cost of care, in addition to delaying the beginning of adjuvant therapy. The reported incidence of PCF ranges from 3% to 65%.The increased use of radiation in the primary management of laryngeal carcinoma has resulted in an increase in the PCF formation after salvage laryngectomy (STL). Previously reported risk factors for PCF development include preoperative radiotherapy, tumor stage, concomitant neck dissection, prior need for tracheotomy, hypoalbuminemia and anemia. Among surgical options, the pectoralis major myofascial flap has been proposed to cover the pharyngeal closure, to interpose non-irradiated tissue between the neopharynx and the skin during STL. Nonetheless, the efficacy of this approach is not fully established.Epidural anesthesia improves the blood supply due to its vasodilating effect. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of perioperative cervical epidural analgesia on the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula following salvage laryngectomy and reconstruction with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.