The use of individual epitheses in the treatment of pharyngotracheal fistulas after salvage surgery

Introduction Due to pre-irradiation, salvage laryngectomies sometimes lead to wound healing problems and the formation of oesophagotracheal fistulas. These can often be closed by plastic reconstructive procedures. However, if this is not possible, these fistulas represent an inauspicious prognosis for those affected. Individually adapted silicone epitheses can make closure possible.