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Management of an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula with a fascial free flap
Author(s) -
Wein Richard O.,
Popat Saurin R.,
Watson Thomas,
Orlando Gregory
Publication year - 2002
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/hed.10076
Subject(s) - tracheoesophageal fistula , medicine , surgery , fistula
Background Failure in the primary repair of a benign acquired tracheoesophageal fistula limits the operative options available at revision. Use of a fascial free flap to treat this condition has not been previously reported. Methods We review the case of a patient who had a tracheoesophageal fistula develop after percutaneous tracheostomy, who had failed previous primary repair with strap muscle interposition. Results A radial forearm fascial free flap was used at revision and resulted in resolution of the fistula. Conclusion Use of a fascial free flap to address a persistent acquired tracheoesophageal fistula, when an accompanying stenotic segment is not present, is a viable treatment option. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 609–613, 2002