Vascularized hemitracheal autograft for laryngotracheal reconstruction: a new surgical technique based on the thyroid gland as a vascular carrier

BACKGROUND: The management of extensive laryngotracheal stenosis has been a challenge confronting head and neck surgeons for over a century. The key to the successful restoration of a stable airway is providing a cartilaginous infrastructure to provide support to withstand both the negative and positive lumenal pressures produced during normal respiration and deglutition. We introduce a novel technique for restoration of such defects. METHODS: The blood supply to the thyroid gland by way of the inferior thyroid artery and the superior thyroid artery and vein are mobilized for transfer. One half to two thirds of the circumference of the adjacent tracheal rings are mobilized on the basis of the requirements of the stenotic segment. This mucochondrial composite tracheal flap is advanced superiorly to the ipsilateral "laryngeal" region where insetting of the cartilage and the mucosa is performed. Primary reconstruction or, more likely, a staged repair of the secondary tracheal defect is performed. RESULTS: Three case reports are presented. The patients were successfully decannulated postoperatively, continue to have an adequate voice, and are tolerating a diet (3-27 months postreconstruction). CONCLUSION: A new surgical technique for reconstruction of benign laryngotracheal stenoses is introduced to restore phonatory capability and a stable airway. The composite thyroid-tracheal graft based on the inferior and superior thyroid arterial pedicles allows a single-staged, primary reconstruction of the hemilarynx with a well-vascularized composite thyrotracheal flap that allows resurfacing as well as replacement of the infrastructure of the glottis and subglottis. This technique would be an excellent method to restore the cricoid ring following partial resection for primary cartilaginous tumors.