ABSTRACT
Tracheostomy is a general surgical procedure performed by many surgeons on a routine basis. A tracheostomy orifice closes by secondary intention in many routine cases. The following case report is about a 54-year-old patient diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right vocal cord who underwent micro laryngeal excision with tracheostomy followed by radiation therapy. After 2 years, on decannulation he had a persistent tracheocutaneous fistula. A tracheocutaneous fistula is commonly regarded as a pathological complication of temporary tracheostomy that results due to failure of spontaneous tracheostome closure post decannulation. Various factors present a challenge for the surgeon in managing such a complication such as chronic cough, infection and other co-morbidities. The need for a secondary closure is also warranted when the stoma does not close on itself within a specified time.
Keywords:
Tracheostomy, Pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, fistula
Key Clinical Message:
Tracheocutaneous fistula presents a challenge to the surgeon as different factors affects its formation and healing. A multidisciplinary approach and proper patient counselling, duration of cannulation.comorbidies helps in prognosis and outcome.