Research Article: Laryngoscope-Guided plasma radiofrequency ablation combined with incision/drainage for neonatal congenital pyriform Sinus Fistula with abscess: safety and minimally invasive approach
Abstract:
To evaluate the clinical safety, efficacy, and recurrence management of a combined surgical approach—neck abscess incision and drainage coupled with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation under laryngoscope-guided suspension laryngoscopy, for neonatal congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF) at the abscess stage.
At Hunan Children’s Hospital, a retrospective analysis of 21 neonatal abscess-stage CPSF patients was conducted between January 2020 and January 2025. Operative time, blood loss, 24-hour NIPS pain score, vocal cord mobility, NFSS-8 swallowing score, hospital stay, and recurrence rate were the main metrics compared between the simple drainage group ( n =?7) and the combined surgery group ( n =?14) based on family request.
There were no group differences in baseline variables (gender, gestational age, birth weight, etc.) (all P >?0.05). In terms of surgery, the combined group experienced equal blood loss ( P =?0.068), pain levels ( P =?0.624), and a longer operating time ( P <?0.001). A lower NFSS-8 score (11.87?±?2.94 vs. 15.29?±?4.01, P =?0.019) and more normal vocal cord movement (92.86% vs. 57.14%, P =?0.043) demonstrated greater short-term recovery. Hospital stays were comparable ( P =?0.781), but the 12-month recurrence rate was lower (7.14% vs. 100%, P =?0.002).
Combining neck abscess incision and drainage with Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation under Laryngoscope-guided is a safe and efficient treatment for congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF) in neonates with abscess, with acceptable short-term functional recovery and a lower recurrence rate. This minimally invasive approach warrants further investigation in larger prospective, randomized studies.
Introduction:
Internal fistula holes are found within the pyriform sinus region of CPSF, which arises from residual epithelium caused by inadequate closure of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches during development. CPSF continues to have a high misdiagnosis rate because of its intricate embryonic development mechanisms, wide range of anatomical variants, and subtle clinical presentation. Affected families bear high financial and psychological costs as a result of the ongoing therapy procedure. Neonatal onset is uncommon,…
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