The sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap for the reconstruction of a tracheal defect

Abstract

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) myoperiosteal flap offers a relatively simple, single-stage reconstruction of a tracheal defect after conservative resection of an invasive papillary cancer of the thyroid with intraluminal involvement. Vascularised clavicular periosteum provides a viable, pliant, airtight, composite autologous graft with minimal vocal disturbance and a low risk to the parathyroid glands. The operation is not difficult to perform and has an acceptable long-term result even for the occasional operator in the specialised field of tracheal surgery.