Large Tracheocutaneous Fistula Successfully Treated With Bronchoscopic Intervention and Flap Grafting: A Case Report and Literature Review

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is the most common related post-operative complication after tracheotomy. Treatments such as surgery and flap grafting are usually applied to close TCFs. We report a case of a large TCF with an area of ~3.0 cm × 1.0 cm. Here, we describe a relatively convenient approach for the management of a patient with a large TCF. In our treatment strategy, a coverd tracheal stent was used to cover the defect by bronchoscopy, the bronchial defect was closed with a local turnover flap, the structure was reinforced with biodegradable material (RapidSorb Plate 2.0), and then transplantation of a deltopectoral flap was performed. It is worth noting that the patency of the trachea was maintained during the whole surgery course. No recurrence or complications occurred after the 12-month follow-up. The large TCF was successfully treated with bronchoscopic intervention, biodegradable material and flap grafting, and without cartilage grafting.