The development of fistulae following 197 consecutive laryngectomies performed from 1980 to 1987 have been examined. Fistulae were present in 28 patients (14 per cent). Age, T-classification, daily level of radiation dose and the time lapse between diagnosis and operation did not seem to influence the rate of fistula development. The study indicates that there is a two to three per cent risk of fistula development when a primary laryngectomy is performed. Fistula formation increased to about 10 to 12 per cent following radiotherapy, with an additional increase whenever previous operations on the neck had been done and/or if the disease demanded more extensive surgery. The study also indicates that the risk for fistula development is less when an experienced surgeon performs the operation.