Sealing of small postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas with voice prosthesis.

Pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCFs) following total laryngectomy is a common complication. The standard therapy is conservative management, and if this is not successful, surgical closure. There is a group of patients with limited survival chance who have small PCFs. In these patients who are not candidates for surgery, sealing of the PCF with a voice prosthesis can significantly improve the functionality of these patients allowing them to swallow and phonate.