Cricotracheal reconstruction following external beam radiotherapy for recurrent thyroid cancer

• Published in: ANZ journal of surgery Vol. 79; no. 4; pp. 271 - 274
• Main Authors: Ashford, Bruce G., Clark, Jonathan R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.04.2009; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Papillary - radiotherapy; Adenocarcinoma, Papillary - surgery; cancer; Cricoid Cartilage - surgery; cricotracheal; Esophageal Neoplasms - secondary; Esophageal Neoplasms - surgery; Female; Head & neck cancer; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms - secondary; Laryngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - surgery; Plastic surgery; Radiation therapy; radiotherapy; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; resection; Throat; thyroid; Thyroid diseases; Thyroid Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Thyroid Neoplasms - surgery; Thyroidectomy; Trachea - surgery; Tracheal Neoplasms - secondary; Tracheal Neoplasms - surgery
• ISSN: 1445-1433; 1445-2197
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04858.x

Tracheal resection for invasive thyroid cancer is well described. Segmental tracheal or cricotracheal resection and reconstruction is an uncommon but established method in the treatment of invasive thyroid cancer. This has seldom been reported in a recurrence following external beam radiotherapy. Radiotherapy compromises healing and predisposes tracheal reconstruction to dehiscence. A fascia‐only radial forearm free‐flap reconstruction of a segmental cricotracheal resection is described.