25-Year experience of using a linear stapler in laryngectomy

Lev Bedrin*, Genadi Ginsburg, Zeev Horowitz, Yoav P. Talmi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Stapler application for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy allows for rapid watertight closure without field contamination and for potentially reduced fistula rate. Methods. One thousand four hundred fifteen patients underwent laryngectomy with linear stapler closure. In 98.6%, laryngectomy was performed after radiation failure. Results. A relatively high incidence of pharyngeal fistulae (12%) was seen, although these rates were reduced to 5.5% during the recent decade. Simultaneous creation of tracheoesophageal fistula and myotomy by a novel technique was introduced. Swallowing problems were observed in 11 patients and local recurrences in nine patients (0.6%). Conclusion. The advantages of mechanical sutures with the closed stapling technique are simple and rapid application, watertight closure with good hemostasis, prevention of field contamination, good speech and deglutition, no increase in fistula rate, and low local recurrence rates. Operating room expenses may also be significantly reduced, rendering this method cost-effective as well.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1073-1079
Number of pages7
JournalHead and Neck
Volume27
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

Keywords

  • Fistula
  • Laryngectomy
  • Larynx
  • Mechanical suturing
  • Stapler
  • Stapling device

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