Use of a T-tube in management of a pharyngeal fistula after laryngectomy.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a frequent complication after total laryngectomy, and may cause the patient to remain hospitalized for long periods of time while efforts are made to close the defect. We describe a case in which a gallbladder T-tube was used to hasten closure of a recalcitrant fistula, and we have since used this often as an adjunct to the customary methods of management of this complication.