yes - fistula - I guess today they took some muscle out of his neck and stiched it around carotid artery to protect it from saliva that can come in from fistula .. but no bleeding so I guess today was the best case scenario for him... we will pray that he can come out of the sedation slowly and be able to communicate with us... I am trying to get a flight back to Boston from Portland.. to visit with him over the weekend...