[Therapy of tracheal stenoses]

Tracheal stenosis is a serious disease of the upper airways. With advances in resuscitation its incidence is steadily increasing. Despite modern therapeutic procedures and the use of perfect materials tracheal stenosis is still a serious therapeutic problem.

The authors present a group of 48 patients with tracheal stenosis treated during the period between January 1990 and September 1995. Thirty-eight patient with postintubation stenosis were subjected to surgery. 4 with direct tracheal injury, 5 with a tracheoesophageal fistula and one with a malignant stenosis of the trachea. For treatment of tracheal stenosis a wide range of therapeutic procedures was used: from laser destruction to long-term stenting on a T cannula and plastic reconstruction of tracheal defects to extensive segmental resections of the trachea. In the group of patients with segmental resection of the trachea (21 patients) in 17 good results were achieved (81%), in three satisfactory results (14%) and one patient died during the postoperative period. In the group with combined treatment (27 patients) in 13 good results were recorded (48%), in three satisfactory results (11%), in nine patients treatment still proceeds (33%) their prognosis in uncertain. During the postoperative period two patients died.

From the results of the work the authors conclude that segmental resection of the trachea holds a priority position in the treatment of tracheal stenoses. It gives the best immediate and late therapeutic results. It is important to emphasize prevention of tracheal stenoses during prolonged controlled ventilation. Because the most difficult tracheal reconstructions are those after unsuccessful primary reconstructions, it is essential to concentrate serious tracheal lesions in departments which have adequate staff and technical equipment and ample experience.