Management of post-operative fistula in head and neck surgery: Sweeping it under the carpet?

The most dreaded complication in head and neck surgery is the development of fistula. Fistulas are common and devastating. The prevalence and the risk factors that contribute to fistula formation after head and neck procedures were discussed briefly. The main goal of this manuscript is to discuss current management of head and neck fistula. We believed that the best management strategy for head and neck fistulas is prevention. We recommend a holistic preventive approach during the perioperative period. The roles of different types of wound products and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were also discussed and highlighted. We also discussed the operative repair of fistulas, which relies on the tenet of providing well-vascularized tissue to an area of poor wound healing. Most often, the surgeon’s preference and range of operative skills dictate the timing and the type of repair. We highlighted the use of the pectoralis major, a well-known fap, as well as a novel technique in the surgical repair of complex, diffcult-to-heal head and neck fstula.

The most dreaded complication in head and necksurgery is the development of fistula. Fistulas are common and devastating. The prevalence and the risk factors that contribute to fistula formation after head and neck procedures were discussed briefly. The main goal of this manuscript is to discuss current management of head and neck fistula. We believed that the best management strategy for head and neck fistulas is prevention. We recommend a holistic preventive approach during the perioperative period. The roles of different types of wound products and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were also discussed and highlighted. We also discussed the operative repair of fistulas, which relies on the tenet of providing wellvascularized tissue to an area of poor wound healing. Most often, the surgeon's preference and range of operative skills dictate the timing and the type of repair. We highlighted the use of the pectoralis major, a wellknown flap, as well as a novel technique in the surgical repair of complex, difficult-to-heal head and neck fistula.