Background: Primary fit tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is widely preferred for individuals who have not undergone prior radiation. However, there is no consensus on the relative utility of primary-fit TEP in the setting of salvage laryngectomy.
Methods: A retrospective, single-center review was conducted of individuals undergoing laryngectomy with primary fit TEP between 2012 and 2018. Multivariable analysis was conducted to compare short-term and long-term complications, as well as speech and swallowing outcomes, of those who underwent primary versus salvage laryngectomy.
Results: In this study, 134 patients underwent total laryngectomy with primary fit TEP. Aside from a higher rate of peristomal dehiscence (13.1% vs. 1.4%) found in the salvage group, there was no difference in incidence of all other complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula formation. The groups had comparable speech and swallow outcomes.
Conclusion: Primary fit TEP is a safe and effective surgical choice for individuals undergoing salvage laryngectomy who desire a voice prosthesis.
Keywords: functional outcomes; laryngeal cancer; pharyngocutaneous fistula; salvage laryngectomy; tracheoesophageal puncture.
© 2024 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.