Management of an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula with a fascial free flap.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
University of Rochester Medical Center, Division of Otolaryngology, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 629, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. richardwein@hotmail.com
Richard O
RO
Wein
Saurin R
SR
Popat
Thomas
T
Watson
Gregory
G
Orlando
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012086:Reoperation; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*