title: Coblation-assisted closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistulae.
abstract: Persistent tracheocutaneous fistulae (PTCFs) are sequelae of long-term tracheostomy tube use, and while many procedures exist to correct this issue, several are invasive and incur risk to the patient. This case study discusses a minimally invasive approach to closure of small PFTFs with a coblator device that may reduce the risks associated with other closure procedures. We demonstrated successful tracheocutaneous fistulae closure after coblation in all 4 patients that the operation was performed. We believe this technique can be considered for patients under select circumstances and can be part of a surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of small PTCFs.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Pediatric Airway Center, Advocate Children's Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA. Electronic address: david.walner@advocatehealth.com.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Walner
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA. Electronic address: mularcz1@illinois.edu.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mularczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Community Care Network-St. Catherine, East Chicago, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Kedar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kakodkar
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: Tracheocutaneous fistula; Tracheotomy