Repair of nonmalignant postlaryngectomy pharyngotracheal fistula

The repair of nonmalignant postlaryngectomy pharyngotracheal fistulae is not commonly encountered in medical literature. This rare complication can occur years after laryngectomy for cancer and reconstruction of a neopharynx, and is often associated with adjuvant radiation to the area, making the choice of method for surgical repair critical for success. Optimally, a pedicled myofascial flap from the pectoralis major muscle, from outside the field of radiation, is used to reinforce the repair of the fistula. We present 2 rare cases.