Airway Management Following Tracheal Surgery

The ability to remove longer segments of airway and to extend resections into the larynx proper has managed to create novel situations that will require attention to postoperative management. This article deals with prophylactic measures to prevent the requirement of assisted ventilation. It, however, also emphasizes various bronchoscopic and intubation techniques, which if required, will help to avoid trauma to the airway anastomosis. In addition, a variety of ventilator modalities are discussed that were developed by the author over many years at the Toronto General Hospital.