Persistent Neopharynx Pseudomonas Infection After a Sealed Anastomotic Leak Post Total Laryngectomy

Total laryngectomy (TL) is the treatment of choice for advanced glottic cancer. Post-operative complications can be debilitating for patients, family members and healthcare workers. Complications following TL have been reported in many studies, with pharyngocutaneous fistula and wound infection being the most common. Identifying the risk factors that may give rise to these complications is vital to minimise post-operative morbidity. We present the case of a 62-year-old male who underwent salvage TL following radiation therapy for recurrent glottic carcinoma. The patient developed diffuse submental swelling upon the commencement of oral feeding. A flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed a sloughy area at the neopharynx, with the finding of a sealed anastomotic leak on a repeat barium swallow study. We report persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection following salvage TL, after a sealed anastomotic leak.