Journal of the Korean Dysphagia Society 2020;10(1):130-133

doi:10.34160/jkds.2020.10.1.016

Tracheoesophageal Fistula by Chemoradiotherapy after a Total Laryngectomy in a Laryngeal Cancer Patient: A Case Report

Ji Hye KANG 1 ; Inn-Chul NAM ; Min-Wook KIM

Affiliations

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Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

An acquired tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare complication that can occur in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Explosive coughing from the tracheostomy-opening site after swallowing is a warning sign of the TEF. A 68-year old male laryngeal cancer patient showed delayed TEF after chemoradiotherapy with a total laryngectomy.The clinicians carrying out a videofluoroscopic swallowing study should be familiar with the total laryngectomy state, as well as the findings and initial general management of TEF. This report discusses the pathophysiology and management of TEF and the needs for dysphagia care team after chemoradiation in laryngeal cancer patients.