BACKGROUND: Reconstruction after partial cricotracheal resection is technically demanding and is seldom reported in literature. The purpose of this study was to report a technique of reconstruction of such a defect with a radial forearm flap supported by a titanium mesh. METHODS: A 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with a case of papillary carcinoma thyroid, underwent excision of the tumor with a partial cricotracheal resection. The defect was reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap with fascia suspended on a titanium mesh. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the patient has normal nasal breathing and an acceptable voice. CONCLUSION: This reconstructive technique enabled us to maintain the integrity of the subglottic airway. Our technique was unique in that we used the skin-lined part of the radial forearm flap to line the airway and the fascia to cover the titanium mesh outside, thereby preventing plate exposure.
BACKGROUND: Reconstruction after partial cricotracheal resection is technically demanding and is seldom reported in literature. The purpose of this study was to report a technique of reconstruction of such a defect with a radial forearm flap supported by a titanium mesh. METHODS: A 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with a case of papillary carcinoma thyroid, underwent excision of the tumor with a partial cricotracheal resection. The defect was reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap with fascia suspended on a titanium mesh. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the patient has normal nasal breathing and an acceptable voice. CONCLUSION: This reconstructive technique enabled us to maintain the integrity of the subglottic airway. Our technique was unique in that we used the skin-lined part of the radial forearm flap to line the airway and the fascia to cover the titanium mesh outside, thereby preventing plate exposure.
Authors: Ph Monnier; F G Dikkers; H Eckel; C Sittel; C Piazza; G Campos; M Remacle; G Peretti Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2015-05-08 Impact factor: 2.503