Fistulae After Successful Free Tissue Transfer to Head and Neck: Its Prevention and Treatment

Fistulas, either between oral cavity and external face or between oral and nasal cavity, are major complications after microsurgical head and neck reconstruction. Any flaw in surgical planning, design, and execution may lead to this untoward outcome. Once fistula develops, it may interface with oncologic treatment, endanger the reconstruction, and increase overall patient suffering. This article analyzes individual factors involved in development of fistulas in spite of successful transfer of a free flap and proposes treatment guideline.