Closure of large orocutaneous fistulas in end-stage malignant disease

Expanding Silastic foam was used to close and dress a large orocutaneous salivary fistula secondary to a massive local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma. The technique is simple, rapid, and effective. The patient found the dressing superior in every way to the traditional absorbent dressings previously supplied. We recommend this technique for the closure of large defects in the head and neck.