Complications of tracheal surgery

Complications of tracheal surgery are best managed by avoiding them. This entails proper patient selection through evaluation; careful coordination between anesthesia, otolaryngology, and thoracic surgery; meticulous attention to the technical details of operation; and postoperative care. There must be a firm understanding of airway management in the postoperative period ranging from edema, anastomotic granulations, fistula, separation, or recurrent stenosis. Successful management can be accomplished with preservation of the airway.