Tracheal deviation: an unusual complication of platysma myocutaneous flap.
Reconstruction of the intraoral defect caused by tongue cancer was done for a patient by using a platysma myocutaneous flap. The relatively short neck, scar contracture, and inactive movement of the involved side of the neck resulted in tracheal deviation, an unusual complication not appearing in previous reports. In order to avoid airway problems during intubation, the surgeon and anesthestist should seriously consider the possibility of this rare complication in patients who have had the platysma myocutaneous flap technique. Careful preoperative evaluation and skillful intubation of the fiberoptic bronchoscope are demanded in cases where next general anesthesia is needed.
Lai
C S
CS
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Lin
S D
SD
Yang
C C
CC
Chou
C K
CK
Tsai
C W
CW
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*