The flat trachea: a cause of tracheal obstruction and its surgical management

Tracheal obstruction requires aggressive evaluation to determine the cause and possible correction. An unusual presentation in an adult man with a primary tracheal malformation is described. Surgical reconstruction was performed, utilizing Erich dental arch bars for external stenting. The results were excellent. To our knowledge, the procedure discussed has not been described and may be applicable elsewhere in tracheal reconstructive procedures.