Objective:
To review the results of a simple technique of closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) in children.
Design:
Retrospective case series.
Setting:
Tertiary pediatric otolaryngology referral center.
Patients:
Children (age, < 18 years) who underwent repair of TCF from July 1, 1991, to August 31, 1996.
Interventions:
Surgical closure of persistent TCF using multilayered closure of de-epithelialized local tissue. Tracheal dissection was not performed. A thermal hemostatic scalpel was used in some cases to assist in de-epithelialization and provide hemostasis without electrocautery near the airway.
Main Outcome Measures:
Success of closure and number and types of complications.
Results:
Nine procedures were performed in 8 children. Seven (88%) of 8 primary procedures were successful, but early recurrent TCF developed in 1 patient. Revision surgery using an identical surgical technique, but maintaining endotracheal intubation for 48 hours, was successful in this patient. No complications occurred.
Conclusions:
This procedure is a simple, reliable method for closure of TCF in children.Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123:1066-1068.