2019 Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 127-132
We report the case of a 61-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea, which was resected with latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction.
The tumor originated in the membranous portion of the intrathoracic trachea covering 10 tracheal rings in length. Transesophageal biopsy was performed and histology confirmed an adenoid cystic carcinoma. A sleeve resection followed by direct end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea was deemed to involve a high risk of dehiscence, and so we decided to perform resection with adequate margins followed by reconstruction of the trachea to avoid undue anastomotic tension. An elliptical excision was made to remove the tumor and the involved membranous tracheal wall. This defect was then reconstructed with a pediculated latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The postoperative course was favorable without severe complications. Histology of the margins showed microscopic tumors, and postoperative radiation therapy with a total dose of 60 Gy was given. The patient is well with no recurrence 42 months after surgery.
This surgical technique was successful in preventing postoperative complications in a case of advanced tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma.
