OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application on the pharyngeal repair on decreasing the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy.

METHODS:

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 67 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy, over 2 years in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: PRF group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32). Risk factors for development of PCF as well as the incidence of PCF were studied in both groups.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic data, medical comorbidities, basal hemoglobin and albumin levels, data related to the tumor (location, grade and TNM staging) and surgical details (preoperative tracheotomy and neck dissection). However, regarding the incidence of PCF, there was a statistically significant difference between groups as shown in Table 2. PCF was detected in 2/35 patients (5.7%) in the PRF group and in 10/32 patients (31.3%) in the control group (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION:

PRF application on the pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy enhances the healing process and consequently decreases the incidence of PCF.