Non-circumferential tracheal resection with muscle flap reconstruction for adenoid cystic carcinoma

Circumferential airway resection with primary anastomosis has been widely adopted as a treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the trachea. However, carinal resection is a complicated procedure with high mortality and morbidity rates. We describe a technique of non-circumferential tracheal resection performed to treat ACC arising from the lower membranous trachea adjacent to the carina. The tumor was resected while preserving the tracheo-carinal cartilage. A silicone Y-stent was placed at the bifurcation to ensure airway patency before closing the defect. The airway defect, measuring 4 9 2.5 cm, was closed using an autologous pericardial patch and pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap. These procedures were technically easy, and no postoperative airway complication occurred.