Evaluation of amylase levels in the neck drainage and serum for early diagnosis of the pharyngocutaneous fistula.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of amylase levels in neck drainage and serum for the diagnosis of pharyngocutaneous fistula in the early postoperative period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in a tertiary referral setting. Thirty-two patients (31 males, 1 female; mean age 63; range 45 to 75 years) who had laryngectomy operation as the primary treatment were studied. Amylase levels in the neck drainage and serum were analyzed in the first three postoperative days. The results were compared between patients who developed pharyngocutaneous fistula and who did not. RESULTS: Serum amylase levels were significantly higher in pharyngocutaneous fistula group, whereas amylase in the neck drainage was not diagnostic. CONCLUSION: Serum amylase levels may be used in laryngectomy patients for the early diagnosis of pharyngocutaneous fistula.