Endoscopic Management of a Hypopharyngeal-Subglottic Fistula: Case Series and Literature Review.

Kessler, Lexie; Jaamour, Dania; Lakpa, Koffi L; Bowen, Andrew; Francis, David O; Stein, Andrew P · Laryngoscope · 2025

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

A rare complication of prolonged intubation or laryngeal radiation is destruction of the posterior cricoid cartilage with resultant hypopharyngeal-subglottic fistula leading to aspiration and inability to consume a regular diet. We describe a step-by-step endoscopic approach to the closure of a hypopharyngeal-subglottic fistula. This technique successfully closed the fistula in two patients and allowed the safe resumption of an oral diet.

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