[Functional results of tracheoplasties]

There is a direct correlation between airway resistance and residual tracheal lumen in tracheostenosis. Airway resistance has been recorded in 185 patients with tracheostenosis using body plethysmograph. High grade stenosis of the trachea is better diagnosed with body plethysmograph compared with direct inspection, a pertinent observation mainly in bordering cases. Tracheoplasties were performed in 74 patients using the body plethysmograph. Postoperative courses and functional results were observed. The average tracheal diameter was 8-9 mm at the end of our study with corresponding airway resistance of 24-34 mm H2O/l u. sec. These functional results reflect a good tolerance to average labour impound.