Using Pericardium Allograft in Closing Tracheal Fistula after Removing Tracheotomy Tube

Tracheotomy is used to keep and control airways open and protect them in head and neck operations.1-3 Tracheotomy is opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea observed as a stoma in the lower throat and it is usually performed in serious head and neck traumas, tumors, bleedings and cases that intubation with endotracheal tube is not possible. This method has several advantages for the patient, including suction of lung secretions, decreasing respiratory dead space and application of positive pressure on the lungs. Also tracheotomy prevents aspiration of mouth and stomach secretions in unconscious or paralyzed patients. The location of tracheotomy incision is trachea fourth cartilage ring under cricoids. Tracheotomy tube is inserted through a small incision on the neck between two cartilage rings into the trachea. The resulting open wound is prone to infections.