Table 2.
Risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation
| Comorbidities | Diabetes mellitus II 4 (33.3%) |
Hypertension 6 (50%) |
COPD 5 (41.6%) |
Coronary artery disease 2 (16.7%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiotherapy |
Previous 3 (25%) |
Postoperative 6 (50%) |
||
| Prior tracheotomy |
Yes 2 (16.7%) |
No 10 (83.3%) |
||
|
Haemoglobin levels < 12.2 g/dl ≥ 12.2 g/dl |
Preoperative 7 (58.3%) 5 (41.6%) |
Postoperative 10 (83.3%) 2 (16.7%) |
||
|
Albumin levels* < 3.5 g/dl ≥ 3.5 g/dl |
Preoperative 4 (40%) 6 (60%) |
Postoperative 4 (40%) 6 (60%) |
COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, * data about albumin levels available for 10 out of 12 patients