Objective We summarize the clinical characteristics of surgeries in which the thyroid lobe is used as a transfer flap to treat early pharyngeal fistula following total laryngectomy. We also provide useful data for improving the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 8 patients with pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer patients admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University) between October 2016 and October 2023. The surgeons performed a double-layer repair technique that included local inversion and a purse-string suture of the fistula using the thyroid lobe as a transfer flap. Clinical data were collected to analyze postoperative outcomes.

Results All eight patients experienced successful pharyngeal fistula repair. Postoperatively, these patients were managed with nasogastric tube feeding, liquid diet, and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection. After 10 days, their diet was changed to oral liquids, and their nasogastric tubes were removed. All patients were discharged after complete recovery.

Conclusions Use of the thyroid lobe as a transfer flap in a double-layer repair technique involving local inversion of the fistula is an effective method for repairing early pharyngeal fistula after total laryngectomy. This approach offers several advantages, including ease of flap harvesting, shortened operation time, reduced patient discomfort, high transfer flap survival rate, and rapid postoperative recovery. The clinical efficacy of this technique is well-supported, making it a reliable option for the management of early pharyngeal leaks.