Incidence, predisposing factors and outcome of pharyngocutaneous fistulas complicating head and neck cancer surgery.

A major complication of head and neck cancer surgery following radiation and extensive resection is pharyngocutaneous fistula. A retrospective analysis of 36 fistula patients out of 376 major head and neck procedures between January 1971 and July 1973 revealed certain guidelines for improved clinical management. Since a large discrepancy existed in the incidence of fistulas between the different surgical procedures, each operative group was examined separately. The incidence, predisposing factors, and methods of treatment for this complication following composite jaw-neck resections and various laryngeal procedures are analyzed and discussed.