Treatment of tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal fistulas following laryngectomy and fistula classification based on individual silicone casts

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Oct;272(10):2961-8. doi: 10.1007/s00405-014-3246-5. Epub 2014 Sep 2.

Abstract

Persistent tracheopharyngeal (TPF) and tracheo-oesophageal (TEF) fistulas after laryngectomy create a therapeutic challenge. The current classification of TPFs and TEFs is based on clinical experience without detailed anatomical information. In this study, casts of TPFs/TEFs were obtained from 16 patients; these were the first steps in manufacturing customised prostheses. Fistulas were classified according to the shape and dimension of the tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal silicone casts and prostheses as well as on epithetic requirements. Four different types of fistulas were classified: Type A, a fistula with a straight axis between the neopharynx and oesophagus; Type B, a fistula with a stenosis of the neopharynx but a straight axis; Type C, the axis between the neopharynx and oesophagus is flexed anteriorly; and Type D, neighbouring structures are absent creating a large defect. This classification system might improve the manufacturing processes of customised prostheses in individual cases with challenging tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal fistulas.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Laryngectomy / adverse effects*
  • Larynx, Artificial*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / classification
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / etiology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Silicones*
  • Splints*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / classification
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / etiology
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / surgery*

Substances

  • Silicones