Simple technique for tracheocutaneous fistula closure in the pediatric population

To review our experience with cauterization of persistent tracheocutaneous fistulas in children, we performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent cauterization of tracheocutaneous fistulas by the senior author (O.E.B.) from 1986 to 2001 in an academic, tertiary care children's hospital. We studied 13 pediatric patients ranging in age from 2.5 to 17.5 years of age at the time of surgery. Twelve patients underwent cauterization under endoscopic visualization. One patient underwent superficial cauterization of the tract without endoscopy. All patients had at least a 1-year history of an indwelling tracheotomy. All patients were decannulated at least 1 year before fistula cauterization. Of the 12 patients who underwent intraoperative airway endoscopy, the internal orifice of the fistula tract was specifically visualized and seen to be patent in 10. One patient was noted to have internal mucosalization of the tract, and no discrete opening to the trachea was noted in the other patient. Eleven patients had complete closure of the fistula site at follow-up (range, 2 weeks to 2 years). One patient developed a leak during a coughing spell 2 days after the operation, and the fistula was noted to be closing with a small leak at follow-up. Another patient (with Treacher Collins syndrome) ultimately required a repeat tracheotomy for persistent obstructive sleep apnea. This patient was the only one admitted after the operation, for a pulmonary infiltrate. No other patients required airway support in the immediate postoperative period. Cauterization of tracheocutaneous fistulas in children is a relatively simple, effective, and safe technique.