Osteocutaneous free transfer of vascularized fibula in cervico-thoracic spinal reconstruction with filling of an esophageal fistula: A case report

• Published in: Neuro-chirurgie Vol. 64; no. 6; pp. 434 - 438
• Main Authors: Abellan Lopez, M., Iniesta, A., Brioude, G., Farah, K., Fuentes, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01-12-2018
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical - methods; Bone Transplantation - methods; Esophageal; Esophageal Fistula - diagnosis; Esophageal Fistula - surgery; Fibula; Fistula; Humans; Middle Aged; Osteocutaneous; Recipient vessels; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Spine; Surgical approach; Thoracic Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Vertebrae - surgery; Treatment Outcome; Fibula; Spine; Esophageal; Osteocutaneous; Surgical approach; Fistula; Recipient vessels
• ISSN: 0028-3770; 1773-0619
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2018.06.001

The case under review is a 60-year-old patient with a vertebral plasmocytoma treated by cervico-thoracic fusion 2 years previously. He presented a thoracic spinal septic non-union complicated by esophagospinal fistula. We performed vascularized fibula transplant with cutaneous pad to fill the esophageal fistula. Control CT at day 5 confirmed vascular anastomosis permeability and bone transplant position. Osseointegration was achieved at 18 months postoperatively. The patient was alive 3 years after the last procedure (5 years after tumorectomy). A systematic review of the literature on spinal reconstruction by vascularized fibula transplant showed the diversity of surgical techniques available. In view of the multiplicity of possible organ and soft tissue defects involving the spine, reminders are provided of the different approaches and recipient vessels in this type of reconstruction depending on location.