[Combined treatment of tracheal tumors]

An analysis of short- and long-term results of the combined treatment of tumors of the trachea and adjacent organs with the involvement of the trachea in 100 patients suggests that this method holds promise. In 41 patients the irradiation phase preceded operation, in the rest of 59 patients it followed operation. Radiotherapy was performed daily, 5 fractions every week at a single focal dose of 2-3 Gy. The summary focal dose was 36-48 Gy, for some of the patients 70-80 Gy. Adjuvant radiotherapy did not prevent the performance of complex reconstructive plastic operations with circular, distal or window resection of the trachea. Postoperative complications occurred in 16%, lethal outcome in 4%. Five-year survival following the combined treatment of tracheal tumors was observed in 57%.