Background: An iatrogenic tracheoesophageal (TE) fistula is one possible complication after total laryngectomy with flap reconstruction. We used sternocleidomastoid (SCM) rotation flap to close a TE fistula.
Methods and results: A 69-year-old man with laryngeal cancer underwent total laryngectomy with radial forearm free flap reconstruction. A tracheostoma stenosis was noticed 7 months after the tracheostomy tube was removed. The patient underwent tracheostoma dilatation; the iatrogenic TE fistula was noticed 1 month later. We used SCM rotation flap to close the TE fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful. A barium esophagogram showed no leakage in the esophagus.
Conclusions: Tracheoesophageal fistula can be reconstructed with an SCM rotation flap. If the TE fistula is of a suitable size, this reconstructive strategy is effective and simple to close persistent TE fistula and avoid further airway complications.