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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Low-Cost Single-Port (LoCoSP) Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy
Published on: September 11, 2021
Severe tracheal compression causing respiratory failure after transhiatal esophagectomy
Kristin B Miller1, Brian Kaplan, Ray W Shepherd
1Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0050, USA.
Severe tracheal compression, a rare complication after esophagectomy with gastric pull-through, can cause airway obstruction. A silicone tracheal stent effectively relieved this obstruction, enabling patient extubation.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Transhiatal esophagectomy is a surgical procedure for esophageal diseases.
- Common complications include pneumonia, nerve injury, and anastomotic leak.
- Tracheal damage is a rare but potential complication.
Observation:
- A case of severe tracheal compression and obstruction occurred 2 days postoperatively in a patient who underwent esophagectomy with gastric pull-through.
- The patient required mechanical ventilation due to the airway obstruction.
- This complication is infrequently reported in the literature.
Findings:
- A silicone tracheal stent was successfully placed to relieve the distal tracheal obstruction.
- The stent placement facilitated the patient's extubation.
Implications:
- Tracheal stenting is an effective treatment for post-esophagectomy tracheal compression.
- This case highlights the importance of considering tracheal complications after esophagectomy.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and prevention of this rare complication is warranted.
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