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Local Repair of Persistent Tracheocutaneous Fistulas
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Local Repair of Persistent Tracheocutaneous Fistulas

Sobia F Khaja, Aaron M Fletcher and Henry T Hoffman
Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, Vol.120(9), pp.622-626
09/2011
DOI: 10.1177/000348941112000912
PMID: 22032078

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Abstract

Tracheocutaneous fistulas may persist after tracheostomy. Suture closure of the fistula may result in complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, and pneumomediastinum. We present a simplified and relatively safe technique to close persistent fistulas that may be performed under local anesthesia. A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 patients who were successfully treated, including 1 with incomplete closure that was successfully addressed by additional procedures. Our review included analysis of reported risk factors for persistence of tracheocutaneous fistulas: previous irradiation of the neck, an extended duration of cannulation, previous tracheostomies, obesity, and use of a Bjork flap or 4-flap epithelial-lined tracheostomy. All 13 patients in the study were found to have at least 1 of these risk factors.

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