Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a disease characterized by an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus. Benign TEF often results from tracheal intubation injury, typically presenting as coughing exacerbated by swallowing, and can be potentially life-threatening. However, no unified surgical standard currently exists for TEF. The choice of surgical method mainly depends on the location and size of the fistula, as well as the condition of the surrounding tracheal tissue. For small-to-moderate fistulas, tracheal segmental resection with reconstruction is a classic approach. For large, complex, and refractory TEFs, musculocutaneous flap repair is considered an ideal option. This article reviews the application of several common musculocutaneous flaps—including the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi—in the repair of benign TEFs, with the aim of providing a clinical reference.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of free anterolateral thigh Kiss flap in repair of large scalp defect after malignant tumor resection.MethodsBetween December 2012 and December 2016, 18 patients with large scalp defect after malignant tumor resection were treated. There were 16 males and 2 females with an average age of 52.6 years (range, 43-62 years). There were 17 cases of squamous carcinoma and 1 case of dermatofibrilsarcoma protuberan. The size of scalp defect ranged from 15 cm×10 cm to 17 cm×12 cm after resection of tumors. The scalp defects were repaired with the free anterolateral thigh Kiss flap. And the size of flap ranged from 15 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×8 cm. The skull was completely resected in 2 cases, and repaired with Titanium mesh. The sizes of skull defects were 12 cm×10 cm and 10 cm×8 cm. The donor site was sutured directly.ResultsEighteen flaps survived with primary healing of wounds; and healing by first intention was obtained at the donor sites. One patient died because of intracranial metastasis at 5 months after operation, and no local recurrence occurred in the other 17 patients. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 4 years (mean, 26.6 months). The results of both appearance and function were satisfactory, without ulceration during follow-up. No obvious scar was found at donor sites and no obvious impairment was observed after harvesting free anterolateral thigh flap.ConclusionLarge scalp defects after malignant tumor resection can be effectively repaired by free anterolateral thigh Kiss flap. The donor site can be sutured directly, without skin grafting, thus avoiding the secondary donor site.