Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in Adults with the Sternocleidomastoid Myoperiosteal Flap

Abstract

Subglottic or tracheal reconstruction may be required in cases of subglottic stenosis, invasive thyroid carcinoma, or trauma. The sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap uses clavicular periosteum on a muscle pedicle to provide vascularity. Clavicular periosteum is fibrous and durable and will conform to the shape of the trachea, forming bone to provide stability to the airway. The procedure is relatively simple and involves single-stage reconstruction. Success has been achieved in reconstruction of long-standing subglottic and/or tracheal stenosis and in cases of extreme tracheal defects. On the basis of 8 years' experience with this flap, we present the results from a series of 26 patients who underwent subglottic or tracheal reconstruction with the sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap. Twenty-five of the 26 patients were successfully decannulated. Complications have been expanded to include one case of osteomyelitis of the sternum with mediastinitis, and 1 patient required revision. Subsequently, modifications of technique and patient management have been adopted. The complications compare favorably in frequency and in seriousness with those of other techniques for laryngotracheal reconstruction. We describe additional experience with this procedure and longer follow-up to establish its position as a first-line reconstructive approach for widespread clinical use.