Complications rate, length of hospitalization, and readmission after laryngectomy.

A recent study by Goepfert and colleagues from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; found that complications occurred in approximately one-third of patients who had laryngectomy. Complications occurred in 83 patients (34%) and included 3 deaths (1.2%). Wound complications occurred in 53 patients (22%), and 34 were pharyngocutaneous fistulas. Thirty-four patients (14%) were readmitted within 30 days.

These complications were more common in those with poor wound-healing risk factors such as prior smoking and radiation. Length of hospital stay was longer among reconstructed patients. Readmission was associated with low albumin in the serum and postoperative wound complications.

This study highlights the need for improvement in patient care improvement and the need to counsel high-risk patients undergoing laryngectomy.