John, In view of your later comments, it would seem that Glenn's point is good. If this is an opening that could allow food to enter from the inside I would think that closing that off (on the inside) would be better. If it were me I would not wait until January. The prospect of some funky infection from food getting caught and not draining out would bother me.

Take care

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.