Surgical treatment of tracheal dyskinesia

The syndrome of tracheal dyskinesia characterized by weakening of the posterior membranous wall is a rather uncommon obstructive airway disease of still unknown etiology. The diagnosis is mainly based upon a typical history, extensive and differentiated lung function tests, and bronchoscopic examinations. Only the primary forms with predominating tracheal obstruction should be treated by surgery using a connective tissue graft to stabilize the collapsing trachea. If attention is paid to the preoperative criteria, a favorable outcome of the surgical treatment can be expected with long-term relief of symptoms and marked improvement of overall pulmonary function.