Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a disease characterized by an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus. Benign TEF often results from damage induced by tracheal intubation, primarily presenting as exacerbated cough during swallowing, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. However, there is no unified standard for the surgical treatment of TEF. Currently, the choice of surgical method mainly depends on the location, size, and condition of the surrounding trachea. For small to moderate TEFs, tracheal segmental resection and reconstruction is a classic surgical approach. For larger, complex, and refractory TEFs, musculocutaneous flap repair is an ideal option. This article reviews the application of several common musculocutaneous flaps, including the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi, in the repair of benign TEFs, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.