Long-term results after 110 tracheal resections

Among the many therapeutic options for treating tracheal stenosis (e.g. bouginage, laser resection and stenting), segmental resection and reconstruction with end-to-end anastomosis is the method of choice. We verified this in an analysis of clinical material.

We retrospectively evaluated 110 tracheal sleeve resections performed between 1985 and 2001. Data before and after resection were analyzed, and the patients were interviewed.

The aetiology of stenosis was mainly postintubation injury (n = 92) (83.6%), followed by goiter with malacia (n = 8) (7.3%) and tumor (n = 6) (5.5%). There were a few other causes (n = 3) (2.7%). 48 patients (43.6%) had undergone prior conservative or surgical treatment other than sleeve resection. A cervical approach was used in 93 (84.6%), a cervicomediastinal in 15 (13.6%), and a transthoracic in two. Healing of anastomosis was uncomplicated in 101 patients (91.8%). Major and minor complications occurred in 29 patients (26.4); there were 4 dehiscences (3.6%), 3 restenoses (2.7%), 2 suture line granulations (1.8%) and 4 vocal cord dysfunctions (3.6%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9%. 77 patients were interviewed after surgery (median 80.1 months); 93.5% (n = 72) were satisfied with the surgical treatment.

Resection and reconstruction offer the best treatment for tracheal stenosis. Lethal complications were due to severe comorbidity. Many patients today still undergo unsuccessful conservative treatment before being referred to surgery.