Segmental Tracheal Resection for Thyroid Cancer: Perioperative Morbidity, Locoregional Control, and Survival

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Segmental tracheal resection is a rare but complex procedure for advanced thyroid cancer.
• This surgery carries significant risks due to its complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of segmental tracheal resection in patients with thyroid cancer.
• To assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of this surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent segmental tracheal resection for thyroid cancer.
• Data collected from MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2005 and 2024.
• Median follow-up of 4.6 years.

Main Results:

• Papillary thyroid cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (68%).
• Complications included new tracheostomy in 14% (9% remained dependent), 30-day reoperation in 22%, and perioperative mortality in 3%.
• Five-year locoregional control was 79% and overall survival was 77%.

Conclusions:

• Segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer is technically demanding and associated with high risks.
• Despite the complexity, the majority of patients experience successful outcomes with good long-term survival rates.