Abstract

VILLALAIN ALVAREZ, L.; VICENTE RODRIGUEZ, J.C. de; PENA GONZALEZ, I.  and  LLORENTE PENDAS, S.. An unusual complication of Björk flap in elective tracheotomy. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2008, vol.30, n.5, pp.365-370. ISSN 2173-9161.

Introduction. Elective temporary tracheotomy in often performed in head and neck oncologic surgery. An inferiorly hinged tracheal flap (Björk flap) provides a secure airway in the inmediate postoperative period. Clinical case. This patient underwent resection of an oral cancer and subsequent tracheotomy. After deccanulation, a piece of suture was found into the trachea as an incidental discovery. There were no symptoms related to it, and it was not possible to remove it from the anterior tracheal wall by means of endoscopy, so it was left in place. Discussion. Elective tracheotomy in head and neck resection for malignancy safeguards the airway, but also has complications. It is very important a careful management of the stoma, without regard if a primary or secundary closure of it is chosen.

Keywords : Tracheotomy; Tracheal wall flap; Björk flap; Tracheal endoscopy.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English | Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )