[Anesthesia for resections-anastomoses of the trachea and the tracheal bifurcation]

Resection and anastomosis of the trachea or the tracheal bifurcation, raises numerous problems, which will be discussed in a series of 81 patients: -there is more or less marked ventilatory insufficiency related to the degree of the stenosis, and difficulties of expectoration responsible for retention of sputum; -per-operative ventilation. One must choose between an intubation catheter of small caliber in order to overcome the stenosis, or a large catheter to remain above it. The problem is all the more delicate to solve when the stenosis is tighter and higher; -during the period when the trachea is open, the surgeon must intubate the central part of the trachea with a sterile catheter. If the division is low, it is necessary to intubate the main bronchi or one only, and then create a marked shunt effect which would be ill-supported by the patient; -It is advisable to remove the catheter at the end of the operation. Awakening should be perfect in order to cough to be immediately efficacious in a patient who often has to remain with his head flexed forwards.