[Complications of surgical treatment in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer]

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical treatment of patients with laryngeal or/and hypopharyngeal cancer is combined with potential risk of complications either local and general. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of them in the large cohort of patients with mentioned localization of cancer.

Material and methods: The group of 447 patients, treated between 2000-2005 in Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Medical University of Lublin were analyzed retrospectively. There were 412 men and 35 women. 426 patients underwent surgical removal of the tumour without any reconstruction procedure. In 21 (4.7%) patients we performed reconstructions of the pharyngeal defect implementing pectoralis major muscle flap. Complications were classified into general and local. Furthermore, according to the time we classified sequel of the treatment into recent (those during the first 7 days after surgery) and late. Statistical analysis of variables was performed using χ² test.

Results: Uncomplicated treatment were accomplished in 78.6% of patients. Local complications occur in 65 (14.5%) and general in 31 (6.9%) individuals. Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula was the most often occurring local sequel which constituted 50.8% of all local complications. Fistula developed in 33 (7.4%) cases. Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were the most often among general complications. They occur at the same rate of 25.8% of all general complications cases. Five patients (1.1%) died due to complications developed during the postoperative period.

Conclusions: We noticed 10.6% local complications in our group of patients whereas only 2.5% of treated persons developed general sequel. The pharyngo-cutaneous fistula was the most often occurring local complication. It has been treated surgically in 15 (45.5%) patients. Whereas cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were the most often general complications and they occur in above half of all cases with general complications.