Endoscopic Suture With Chemocauterization: An Effective Treatment of Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula

Abstract Objective Endoscopic cauterization is an effective method for treating pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). However, these approaches sometimes result in a higher failure rate. We present an effective technique utilizing suture combined with chemocauterization as first‐line treatment in patients with PSF and evaluate the safety and efficacy of its use in 126 patients. Study Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Methods Retrospective case review of patients treated between March 2012 and June 2021 at our institution with descriptive statistical analysis. Results A total of 126 patients with PSF were included in this study with a mean age of 14.7 years. There was no sex predilection. The majority of patients presented with a left‐sided neck lesion (89.7%). Ten patients presented following prior attempts at the surgery of the PSF at another institution; 8 via open surgery and 2 following endoscopic CO 2 laser cauterization; other patients only had a history of repeat incision and drainage or antibiotic treatment. The success rate of obliteration of the internal opening was 96.83% after a single treatment without complications. Following reoperation, a successful outcome was achieved in the remaining 4 patients. Length of stay ranged from 10 to 14 days. No recurrences occurred within 12 to 120 months followed‐up. Conclusion Endoscopic suture combined with chemocauterization is a safe and effective treatment of PSF. Surgery can be performed during the acute cervical inflammatory period without increased risk of complication or recurrence, however, patients found to have acute changes affecting the pyriform sinus should be treated with a staged surgery strategy.