Repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap after minimally invasive esophagectomy: A case report

Background: Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) is a rare complication after Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE). Various surgical methods are available for repairing TEF. In this report, we have shown the importance and feasibility of pedicled Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCMM) flap in dealing with TEF. Methods and results: A 57-year-old woman with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent MIE in our hospital. TEF was diagnosed based on some clinical manifestations, like coughing after swallowing, a month after MIE. During the repair operation, we have utilized pedicled SCMM flap to cover the fistula after suturing the esophagus and trachea separately. No major complications occurred after the operation, and the prognosis was good. Conclusions: Pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap was convenient, reliable and efficient in covering the fistula, therefore, we recommend it as the routine surgical method. However, randomized controlled trials are further needed to confirm this recommendation. TEF can be reconstructed with a pedicled SCMM flap. This method can effectively avoid further complications.