• S A Hosal and E N Myers.
• Department of Otolaryngology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
• Head Neck. 2001 Mar 1;23(3):214-6.

BackgroundTracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is highly effective in providing speech after total laryngectomy. Although it is a safe method, tracheoesophageal fistulas occasionally need to be closed, usually at the request of the patient, because of leakage through an enlarging fistula. We present our technique for closure of tracheoesophageal fistula.MethodsAn incision is made at the mucocutaneous junction of the stoma from the 9 to the 3-o'clock position. Tracheoesophageal space is dissected down to and beyond the fistula. The tracheoesophageal tract is divided. The esophageal mucosa is closed with inverted sutures. After multiple layer closure of the esophageal fistula, the tracheal mucosa is closed with everted sutures.ResultsThis technique has been used in nine patients. Eight were successful. The remaining patient had radiation therapy failure.ConclusionThis method of closure is simple and effective for those patients who require permanent closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula.

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