In order to determine whether the digestive and respiratory tracts are actually tight and thus determine whether oral feeding is possible, we perform a methylene blue test, generally 10 days after the surgery.

The test consists in drinking a few sips of water tinted with methylene blue and examine the tracheostoma. A blue colour at the level of the orifice indicates the presence of a fistula or pharyngostoma. Exclusive enteral nutrition is then maintained, while waiting for complete wound healing. This test takes place approximately 10 days after surgery.