Table 1 Characteristics of seven patients using SBT

1

Mr. A, Male

(Malay)

65

Post-TL for transglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

1. Persistent PCF post-TL surgery

10

1 month

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula resolved

Nil

2

Mr. B, Male

(Indian)

76

Post-TL for hypopharynx SCC

1. Persistent PCF post-TL surgery

10

1 month

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula dry and smaller

Nil

3

Miss C, Female

(Malay)

29

Extensive neck abscess with parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal, and anterior mediastinal extension

1. Persistent PCF post extensive drainage and multiple desloughing with poor wound healing

10

1 month

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula resolved

Nil

4

Mdm. D, Female

(Malay)

73

Post-TL for hypopharynx SCC

1. Persistent large PCF secondary to tumour recurrence at the fistula site

2. Neopharynx stenosis

10

4 months, ongoing

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula dry

Nil

5

Mr. E, Male

(Siamese)

75

Post-TL for hypopharynx SCC

1. Persistent large PCF post-radiotherapy

2. Neopharynx stenosis

10

6 month, ongoing

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula dry

Nil

6

Mr. F, Male

(Chinese)

72

Post-TL for transglottic SCC

1. Large TEF post-radiotherapy

2. Neopharynx stenosis

10

3 years, ongoing

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula dry

Localised pressure necrosis of regional soft tissue and the issue was resolved after tube adjustment

7

Mr. G, Male

(Malay)

62

Post-TL for transglottic SCC

1. Large TEF post-radiotherapy

2. Neopharynx stenosis

10,12

2 years, ongoing

1. Taking orally

2. Fistula dry

Loose-fitting tube displaced distally into the oesophagus, and the issue was resolved with a change to a larger size tube