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Membranous tracheobronchial injury repaired with gastric serosal patch
R Gitter1, T M Daniel, B W Kesser
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Science Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 13, 1999
Summary
A rare surgical complication during pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy involved airway injury. The stomach was successfully used as a patch to repair the damaged membranous trachea and right bronchus.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Surgical reconstruction
- Airway management
Background:
- Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy is a complex procedure for upper aerodigestive tract cancers.
- Complications can include injury to adjacent vital structures.
- Maintaining airway patency is critical post-resection.
Observation:
- An unusual case presented with injury to the membranous trachea and right bronchus during pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.
- The injury occurred in the membranous portion of the airway, posing a significant reconstructive challenge.
Findings:
- A novel surgical technique was employed for repair.
- This involved a partial sternal split and mediastinal elevation of the tracheostoma.
- The stomach was mobilized to the neck and utilized as a patch graft to reconstruct the airway defect.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the versatility of gastric tissue in complex airway reconstruction.
- The described technique offers a potential solution for managing iatrogenic airway injuries during head and neck surgery.
- Successful repair highlights innovative approaches to mitigate surgical morbidity.