Neotracheal reconstruction with autologous forearm free flap for long-segment tracheal reconstruction: A case report

Central MessageAn autologous composite graft composed of a microvascular free flap and an external splint may be suitable for long segment tracheal reconstructions. An autologous composite graft composed of a microvascular free flap and an external splint may be suitable for long segment tracheal reconstructions. Long-segment tracheal reconstructions have remained a complex surgical challenge. Scientists have investigated the roles of synthetic prostheses, tissue-engineering scaffolds, allografting, and allograft transplantation—yet an effective method remains elusive.1Etienne H. Fabre D. Gomez Caro A. Kolb F. Mussot S. Mercier O. et al.Tracheal replacement.Eur Respir J. 2018; 51: 1702211https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02211-2017Crossref PubMed Scopus (70) Google Scholar, 2Grillo H.C. Mathisen D.J. Primary tracheal tumors: treatment and results.Ann Thorac Surg. 1990; 49: 69-77https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4975(90)90358-dAbstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar, 3Grillo H.C. Tracheal replacement: a critical review.Ann Thorac Surg. 2002; 73: 1995-2004https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-4975(02)03564-6Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar, 4Maciejewski A. Szymczyk C. Półtorak S. Grajek M. Tracheal reconstruction with the use of radial forearm free flap combined with biodegradative mesh suspension.Ann Thorac Surg. 2009; 87: 608-610https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.06.062Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar Surgical treatment for primary tracheal cancer has been described via a radial forearm free flap with a splint. Previous research demonstrated that external stabilization with a splinted aortic graft and a slow absorbable matrix helped maintain patency and integrity.5Yu P. Clayman G.L. Walsh G.L. Human tracheal reconstruction with a composite radial forearm free flap and prosthesis.Ann Thorac Surg. 2006; 81: 714-716https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2004.12.009Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar We report a case of long-segment tracheal reconstruction with an autologous composite graft composed of a radial forearm free flap and an external splint (Figure 1). We present a case of a 64-year-old male patient with a history of concurrent T1N0 squamous cell carcinomas of the right true vocal fold and epiglottis treated with definitive radiation who underwent tracheal resection and reconstruction. Two years later, he developed 2 distinct endotracheal lesions that were poorly differentiated, p-16–positive squamous cell carcinomas (Figure 2). After seeking multiple expert opinions from several institutions, the patient elected for surgical resection with possible reconstruction over concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel with irradiation, knowing the significant associated risks with this aggressive intervention. Bronchoscopy measurements demonstrated 2.4 cm of normal tissue from cricoid to the superior aspect of the first lesion and 2.2 cm of normal tissue from the inferior aspect of the most distal lesion to the carina. The total tracheal length was 10.1 cm with 5.5 cm involved by tumor. The head and neck microvascular reconstruction team and thoracic team performed suprahyoid and infrahyoid releases with a near-total tracheal resection with pericardial releases via a sternotomy. This was required for appropriate access to the carina, given the location of the final distal anastomosis. The total resected trachea was 6.5 cm. Cross-field ventilation was maintained via a sterile armored endotracheal tube inserted directly into the distal trachea at the level of the transection. A 1-cm gap remained even when the anastomosis was brought together under significant tension, and so the intraoperative decision-making confirmed proceeding with the composite graft reconstruction. The radial forearm flap was created using a 10- × 7-cm template with 6 cm of proximal adipo-fascial margins (Figure 1). The radial forearm flap was folded in on itself to create a tube, which was then sutured to a 10- × 6-cm, 0.5-mm Synthes graft (Johnson & Johnson). The bioabsorbable Synthes graft was bent over a 50-mL syringe to ensure at least a 3-cm diameter and served as a stent to prevent the collapse and stenosis of the transposed tissue. A 30-mm Hemashield aortic graft (Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC) was draped over the outside of the graft to create the composite product, which was then inserted into the body cavity. The radial artery anastomosis was performed to the left internal mammary artery, and the radial vena comitans was anastomosed to the left external jugular vein (Figure 3).Figure 4Visual abstract of the preoperative, operative, and postoperative schema. SCC, Squamous cell carcinoma; S/P, status post.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) The endotracheal tube was removed to allow completion of the distal anastomosis and then moved to the proximal end of the graft to allow ongoing cross-field ventilation. Each anastomosis was created with 2 corner sutures of 3-0 VICRYL on the membranocartilaginous junction as stay sutures with a running 4-0 polydioxanone on the back wall. Once the back wall had been parachuted, the corners were tied, and interrupted 3-0 polydioxanone were used for the cartilage anteriorly. Pedicled thymic and pericardial fat pads were placed to separate the aorta and innominate artery from the graft. A 16-French T-tube was placed, and the patient was reintubated with a nasotracheal tube placed in the proximal limb of the T-tube. Final pathology demonstrated moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with 2 primary lesions, the largest of which measured 1.6 cm. The specimen demonstrated negative final margins, and negative lymph nodes. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. He underwent twice-daily bronchoscopy for secretion clearance for the first 4 days. On the fourth postoperative day, the nasotracheal tube was removed. Three weeks later, the patient was discharged with a T-tube. Tracheoscopy performed at 2 months demonstrated a well-healing graft that was partially mucosalized. At his 6-month visit, the T-tube was planned for removal since the graft had healed well, and his reconstructed airway was deemed appropriate for decannulation. However, tumor recurrence was noted on this assessment, and the decision was made to maintain an artificial airway, given the anticipated necessity of frequent future instrumentation and laser treatment. Ultimately the patient's tube was replaced with a custom tracheostomy tube due to diffuse recurrence in the lower airway while on palliative systemic therapy. At 16 months postoperatively, his composite graft remained over 75% viable. There was appreciable subglottic collapse suprastomally but good distal patency of the reconstruction. The new airway squamous cell carcinoma recurrences have been managed with laser ablation every 3 to 4 months (Figure 4). Per our institution, institutional review board approval is not required for a case report. Informed consent was not obtained from the patient, as any patient identifiers were removed. Long-segment tracheal reconstructions remain a technically complex surgical challenge. A functional tracheal substitute needs to be both rigid to create a patent lumen but also be flexible and elastic to function as an airway.4Maciejewski A. Szymczyk C. Półtorak S. Grajek M. Tracheal reconstruction with the use of radial forearm free flap combined with biodegradative mesh suspension.Ann Thorac Surg. 2009; 87: 608-610https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.06.062Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar Furthermore, it needs to be able to withstand adjuvant radiation treatment if required. A systematic review by Grillo and Mathisen2Grillo H.C. Mathisen D.J. Primary tracheal tumors: treatment and results.Ann Thorac Surg. 1990; 49: 69-77https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4975(90)90358-dAbstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar compared tracheal replacement modalities and highlighted that patients do not need a maintained ciliated epithelium if they can produce a sufficient cough for secretion clearance. This finding paved the way for the potential viability of composite grafts. Autologous flaps supported by synthetic, biocompatible material can mimic the native tracheal cartilaginous shape.1Etienne H. Fabre D. Gomez Caro A. Kolb F. Mussot S. Mercier O. et al.Tracheal replacement.Eur Respir J. 2018; 51: 1702211https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02211-2017Crossref PubMed Scopus (70) Google Scholar We thus present an example of an autologous tracheal replacement with a biodegradable stent as a possible treatment modality for a patient with squamous cell carcinoma previously considered inoperable. While there are significant limitations in this surgery and outcomes for this case, given the patient's disease recurrence, our reconstruction method demonstrates a degree of success. An autologous composite graft composed of a microvascular free flap and an external splint may be suitable for long-segment tracheal reconstructions.

Fetched live from OpenAlex and de-inverted. Abstracts are not stored in this database: the inverted indexes are 8.6 GB of the frame’s 9.3 GB of text, and the host has 13 GB free.