[Results of transverse tracheal resection in post-intubation tracheal stenoses]

Tracheal problems in form of stenosis and malacia are a calculated risk of long-term tracheal intubation. Results with conservative treatment of such problems by bougienage, laser therapy, biopsy, cryotherapy, local steroids, tracheal stenting, and tracheostomy are not satisfactory in a higher percentage of cases. Resectional therapy of benign tracheal lesions has become an established technique, which combines excellent functional results with a low complication incidence. We have treated 40 patients of 17 to 76 years of age with postintubation tracheal lesions by cross resection of the affected segment. Of these patients 40% had received conservative therapeutical steps preoperatively. The mean resection length was 3.0 cm (1.5 to 6.5 cm). The perioperative morbidity was 7.8%, mortality was 2.5%. 85% of the patients operated between 1970 and 1989 were reached for a follow-up examination with x-ray, pulmonary function test and endoscopy. The patients subjective satisfaction with the operative result was good in 85%, minor in 12% and less in 3%. The objective investigations proved very good results in 90%. Our experience confirm the good results of other authors and recommend the resection treatment for cases of postintubation tracheal lesions.