Investigating the effects of vitamin C administration on the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Pharyngocutaneous fistula represents a significant complication following total laryngectomy. This study aims to explore the relationship between vitamin C administration and the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistulas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This open-label randomized controlled trial involved 47 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. Participants were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a placebo group. Those in the intervention group received 1 gram of vitamin C via injection twice daily ( = 23), while the placebo group received an equivalent volume of distilled water ( = 24) during their postoperative recovery. The occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was monitored in both groups after 1 month.

RESULTS

A total of 27.66% (13 patients) developed pharyngocutaneous fistulas. The incidence in the vitamin C group was lower at 21.74%, compared to 33.33% in the control group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance ( = 0.374).

CONCLUSION

Although this study offers important insights into the potential impact of vitamin C on the postoperative care of laryngeal cancer patients, the results indicate that further research with larger sample sizes and varied methodologies is required to establish definitive conclusions.