Treatment of Recurrent Tracheocutaneous Fistulas in the Irradiated Neck with a Two Layers–Two Flaps Combined Technique

Abstract

The development of a tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is a well-documented complication after tracheostomy, especially in chronic morbid patients, in whom tubes or cannulas are left in place over time, or in irradiated patients. Surgical treatments are therefore needed which range from simple curettage and dressings to local skin flaps, muscle flaps and, in the more complex cases, microsurgical free tissue transfers. We present a novel combined technique used to successfully treat recurrent TCFs in irradiated patients, involving a superiorly based turnover fistula flap and a sternocleidomastoid transposition flap.

Keywords

• pedicle flap
• tracheocutaneous fistula
• tracheostomy
• wound healing