Repair of challenging non-malignant tracheo- or broncho-oesophageal fistulas by extrathoracic muscle flaps.

Objectives: Evaluation of complex, acquired, non-malignant tracheo/broncho-oesophageal fistulas (TEF) repaired by extrathoracic pedicled muscle flaps that were, in addition to their interposition between the airways and the gastro-intestinal tract, patched into gastro-intestinal or airway defects if primary closure seemed risky.

Methods: A single institution experience of patients treated between 2003 and 2015. Twenty-two patients required TEF repair following oesophageal surgery (18), Boerhaave syndrome (1), chemotherapy for mediastinal lymphoma (1), carinal resection and irradiation (1) and laryngectomy (1); 64% of them underwent prior radio- or chemotherapy and 50% prior airway or oesophageal stenting.

Results: Airway defects were closed by muscle flap patch ( n  = 12), lobectomy ( n  = 4), airway resection/anastomosis ( n  = 2), pneumonectomy ( n  = 1), segmentectomy ( n  = 2) or primary suture ( n  = 1). Gastro-intestinal defects were repaired by oesophageal diversion ( n  = 9), muscle flap patch ( n  = 8) or primary suture ( n  = 5). A muscle flap patch was used to close airway and gastro-intestinal defects in 55% and 36% of cases, respectively. The 90-day postoperative mortality and TEF recurrence rates were 18% and 4.5%. Airway healing and breathing without tracheal appliance was obtained in 95% of patients and gastro-intestinal healing in 77% of those without oesophageal diversion. Five of nine patients with oesophageal diversion underwent intestinal restoration by retrosternal colon transplants.

Conclusions: Complex TEF arising after oesophageal surgery, radio-chemotherapy or failed stenting can be successfully closed using extrathoracic muscle flaps that can, in addition to their interposition between the airway and the gastro-intestinal tract, also be patched into gastro-oesophageal or airway defects if primary closure seems hazardous.