Temporal variability in the incidence and risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula development after total laryngectomyŠifrer, Robert (Avtor) Dolenc-Novak, Maja (Avtor) Bitenc, Sara (Avtor) Fugina, Simon (Avtor) Jesenko, Luka (Avtor) Strojan, Primož (Avtor) The pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a pathologic canal connecting the pharyngeal lumen with the skin of the neck occurring after a total laryngectomy (TLE), the removal of the entire larynx. The incidence of PCF ranges from 0% to 80%. Our study aimed to identify the temporal changes in PCF incidence over an extended period and determine the risk factors for increases in the PCF rate. By reviewing patient data from 2004 to 2022, we discovered a total incidence of 26.7%. This study revealed four high-incidence periods, averaging 37.61%, each followed by lower-incidence periods of 19.38%. The surgical wound infection and a history of head and neck cancer along with its related treatments were identified as independent risk factors during most of the high-incidence periods. The continuous monitoring of patients following TLE can assist providers in the better prediction and, consequently, timely management of PCF, ultimately improving patient outcomes after TLE.20242025-11-28 14:22:11Neznano24454UDK: 61ISSN pri članku: 2072-6694DOI: 10.3390/cancers16203486COBISS_ID: 220869891sl