Barbed versus polyglactin sutures for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy: A pilot study.
Eur J Surg OncolJul 31, 2026 (epub)
Nirmalya Samanta, Rajeev Kumar, Rachit Sood et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the use of barbed versus polyglactin sutures for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy in adults with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The study found that pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 16.7% of the polyglactin group, while none in the barbed suture group. Additionally, median closure time was shorter with barbed sutures (15 min vs 25 min).
Key findings
- Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 16.7% of the Vicryl group and none in the barbed suture group.
- Median pharyngeal closure time was 15 minutes for barbed sutures compared to 25 minutes for Vicryl sutures.
Why it matters
Understanding the differences in suture types for pharyngeal closure can inform surgical techniques and potentially reduce complications such as pharyngocutaneous fistula, which can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life.