Trichloroacetic Acid Chemocauterization

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of chemocauterization using trichloroacetic acid with or without suturing for the small tracheocutaneous fistula closure Methods: The Seoul National University Hospital database was analyzed retrospectively for 55 patients with a small tracheocutaneous fistula measuring less than 5 × 5 mm2. Of these, 39 patients were treated by chemocauterization only, and 16 patients were treated by chemocauterization with suturing. Demographic, perioperative data, and treatment outcomes were evaluated for all patients. Results: The success rate of single trial was 56.4% (31/55), and the final success rate after repeated procedures if indicated was 80.0% (44/55). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, cannulation period, fistula size, presence or absence of maturation suture during tracheostomy, number of procedures, and success rates. Interval between decannulation and procedure was significantly different among 2 groups. Conclusions: Trichloroacetic acid chemocauterization could be a simple, noninvasive, and safe method to close small tracheocutaneous fistula.