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Elevated BMI Is Not Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Open Airway Reconstruction
Dylan Bertoni1, Elizabeth Shuman1, Choo Phei Wee2
1Caruso Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Obesity does not increase complications after airway reconstruction surgery. Body mass index (BMI) and obesity class were not linked to adverse outcomes or longer recovery times in patients undergoing tracheal resection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Open airway reconstruction is vital for treating structural airway stenoses.
- The impact of obesity on perioperative outcomes in airway reconstruction is not well-defined.
- This study investigates the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and complications following tracheal resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between BMI and postoperative complications.
- To assess the impact of BMI on ICU and hospital length of stay.
- To determine if BMI influences the need for revision procedures after cricotracheal or tracheal resection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of adult patients undergoing cricotracheal or tracheal resection (2014-2025).
- Analysis of demographic, surgical, and postoperative data.
- Statistical assessment of associations between BMI (continuous and categorical) and outcomes using regression models.
Main Results:
- 70% of 93 patients were overweight or obese (mean BMI 28.8 kg/m²).
- No significant difference in overall complication rates (38.7%) across BMI categories.
- BMI was not associated with ICU stay, hospital stay, or specific complications like restenosis or death.
Conclusions:
- Body mass index and obesity class are not associated with increased complications or prolonged recovery after tracheal resection.
- Obesity alone should not contraindicate open airway reconstruction.
- Resection length was the only significant factor associated with complications.
