Mediastinitis after a cryopreserved allograft tracheal transplant treated by transposition of the major omentum

A 56-year-old female presented with an extended adenoid cystic carcinoma of the entire trachea. She underwent a 12-cm fully-circumferential tracheal replacement by a cryopreserved aortic allograft(CAA) stented by a silicon prosthesis to prevent airway collapse. A muscle flap was used to provide neovascularization and prevent fistulization to mediastinal structures. Post-surgery mediastinitis was detected three weeks after surgery and reoperation was performed. A partial allograft necrosis with stent exposure was found. Major omentum transposition allowed neo-trachea coverage, preventing air-leak, providing antibiotics delivery and mediastinal infection treatment. Six months after surgery the patient is alive. Follow-up bronchoscopy showed a satisfactory allograft revascularization.