Nigel Beasley


January 2013, Volume 22, Issue 1, pp 113 - 115 Grand Rounds Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-012-2453-2

First Online: 22 September 2012

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Great care should be taken to minimise damage to the pharynx and upper oesophagus during an anterior approach to the cervical spine. If noticed at the time of surgery primary repair should be carried out; if noticed in the postoperative period, thorough cleaning and placement of a pharyngocutaneous drain will result in spontaneous healing of the majority of fistula. For persistent fistula secondary repair is required using well-vascularised tissue.


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