Reconstruction of tracheal defect using a sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea: a case report

Tracheal defects that occur after resection can be reconstructed in various ways. Depending on the depth of the tumor invasion or the circumference of the trachea defect, options such as local flaps, free flaps, or primary closure can be used. We report a case of reconstruction using a sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap for partial tracheal defect following tumor resection. A 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer with tracheal invasion. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and partial tracheal resection. The resulting partial tracheal defect was reconstructed with a sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap. The flap was elevated including the periosteum of the sternal head and the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid, and was inset into the tracheal defect. No complications were observed. At 3 months after operation, the patient reported no discomfort, laryngoscope and neck computed tomography examinations revealed no abnormal findings.