Experience with primary neoplasms of the trachea and carina

From 1963 to 1983, 44 patients presented with a primary tracheal neoplasm that was amenable to surgical treatment. Forty-two of the 44 tumors were malignant. Thirty-three patients were managed by resection and primary anastomosis. The following resections were done: trachea only, 12; trachea plus carina, 13; trachea plus cricoid cartilage, four; and trachea plus larynx, four. There were two operative deaths in these 33 patients. Prosthetic reconstruction with heavy-duty Marlex mesh was done in six patients. Three of the six died of erosion of the innominate artery during the postoperative period. In three patients with nonresectable tumors, a silicone-coated Montgomery T-tube provided transient but worthwhile palliation. In two patients with nonobstructive adenoid cystic carcinoma involving the subglottis, irradiation was chosen as the initial treatment, since resection would necessitate laryngectomy. Resection, including laryngectomy, may be required in the future. The following points are emphasized: (1) A majority of operable neoplasms can be resected through a cervical collar incision and median sternotomy. Median sternotomy is the optimal operative exposure in most neoplasms necessitating resection of the carina. (2) Partial resection of the cricoid with sparing of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and larynx is possible in some patients with primary malignant tumors involving the proximal trachea and subglottic region. (3) In patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, resection may afford excellent, long-term palliation even when the resection is incomplete. Pulmonary metastases are common in patients with adenoid cystic tumors. However, they usually progress slowly, may remain asymptomatic for many years, and are not necessarily a contraindication to resection of the primary tumor even when they are synchronous. Our experience suggests that adjunctive radiotherapy is beneficial in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma.