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Tracheoesophageal Fistula Closure in a Pediatric Patient Using a Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap
Caroline T Seebauer1, Melanie Völkl2, Jürgen Kunkel2
1From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Insights
The supraclavicular artery island flap offers a safe and effective method for reconstructing large acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas in children. This surgical technique helps prevent serious complications and improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas present significant surgical challenges.
- Large defects can lead to fatal complications, including respiratory infections and impaired weight gain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the surgical technique and postoperative management for tracheoesophageal fistula repair.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Surgical reconstruction using a pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap.
- Management of a tracheoesophageal fistula caused by button battery ingestion in a pediatric patient.
Main Results:
- The supraclavicular artery island flap demonstrated robust vascularization and a wide arc of rotation.
- Successful closure of a large acquired tracheoesophageal fistula was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap is a reliable and pliable option for reconstruction.
- This flap is a safe and successful tool for managing large acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas can lead to large defects with fatal complications. Surgical management is challenging but necessary to prevent respiratory infections and poor weight gain. Therefore, a reliable and pliable flap like the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap with its wide arc of rotation and robust vascularization is needed for reconstruction. We highlight the surgical technique and postoperative measures in managing a tracheoesophageal fistula due to button battery ingestion in a 9-month-old boy with the supraclavicular artery island flap. In summary, the supraclavicular artery island flap is a safe and successful tool for closure of large acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas in pediatric patients.
