Combined free autologous auricular cartilage and fascia lata graft repair for a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula

Repair of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) after repair of congenital esophageal atresia continues to be a difficult problem. The most common re-operation for a recurrent TEF involves repair via a right thoracotomy and use of a flap as interposed tissue between the closure sites. Although several materials have been reported for recurrent fistula repair, natural pedicled flaps have been used in most previous reports. The harvesting of a pedicled flap can sometimes be difficult when the patient has had multiple surgeries. In this report, the successful use of a combined free autologous auricular cartilage and free fascia lata graft repair for a complex patient with multiple recurrent TEFs is described. We believe that our technique should be considered as an approach for patients with recurrent TEF.