Using a linear stapler for pharyngeal closure in total laryngectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the value of using a linear stapler device in total laryngectomy using a prospective study. Twenty-one total laryngectomies were performed from August 2010 to April 2012, using TA-60 linear stapler for pharyngeal closure. Data collected included age, sex, staging, surgical margins and postoperative course (including complications and swallowing). Patients comprised twenty men and one woman. The mean age was 64 years. Two patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Four patients recurred after radiotherapy. Fifteen patients were untreated. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. One patient developed slight pharyngocutaneous fistula. Patients resumed oral intake at 7 days. The mean hospital stay was 10 days. Using a linear stapler to close laryngopharyngeal cavity in total laryngectomy is simple, reliable and practical, avoids pollution of surgical area, saves operation time and decreases the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. It is worthy of clinical application for selected cases.