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How I do it: Closure of tracheoesophageal puncture site
Author(s) -
Hosal Sefik A.,
Myers Eugene N.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0347(200103)23:3<214::aid-hed1020>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - tracheoesophageal fistula , medicine , laryngectomy , surgery , fistula , stoma (medicine) , larynx
Background Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is highly effective in providing speech after total laryngectomy. Although it is a safe method, tracheoesophageal fistulas occasionally need to be closed, usually at the request of the patient, because of leakage through an enlarging fistula. We present our technique for closure of tracheoesophageal fistula. Methods An incision is made at the mucocutaneous junction of the stoma from the 9 to the 3‐o'clock position. Tracheoesophageal space is dissected down to and beyond the fistula. The tracheoesophageal tract is divided. The esophageal mucosa is closed with inverted sutures. After multiple layer closure of the esophageal fistula, the tracheal mucosa is closed with everted sutures. Results This technique has been used in nine patients. Eight were successful. The remaining patient had radiation therapy failure. Conclusion This method of closure is simple and effective for those patients who require permanent closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 214–216, 2001.