Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is a complication of tracheotomy that adds a difficult and bothersome aspect to the patient's care and may exacerbate respiratory disease. Closure of the fistula is recommended, but complications associated with fistula closure include pneumothorax and respiratory compromise. Several surgical approaches have been advocated in the literature. We reviewed the operative techniques and outcomes of TCF closures performed at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center between February 1990 and April 1995. Direct, or flap, closure of large tracheocutaneous fistulas was associated with significant complications and morbidity. Therefore, the closure technique was modified so that we now recommend, in patients with large tracheocutaneous fistulas (a defect of the anterior tracheal wall of > or = 4 mm diameter), excision of the fistula, replacement of the tracheotomy tube and healing by second intention after a short recannulation period. No complications have occurred since the closure technique was adopted.