Pharyngocutaneous Fistula as a Rare Late Postoperative Complication Following Submandibulectomy: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Iran.

Abstract

Introduction:
Submandibular gland excision is the gold standard treatment for submandibular gland disease. Although submandibulectomy is a relatively standardized surgical procedure, complications are frequently reported. These complications include nerve paralysis or paresis, aesthetic sequelae, hematoma, salivary fistulas or sialoceles, wound infections, hypertrophic scars and inflammations caused by residual lithiasis in the salivary duct.
Case Report:
We report a case of a rare complication of submandibular gland excision, pharyngocutaneous fistula, which appeared 6 years after previous surgery. The patient underwent surgery, during which a fistula tract from the skin to the pharynx was found and excised.
Conclusion:
The authors believe that inappropriate execution of the surgical procedure could result in postoperative complications.

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