[Primary tumors of the trachea: their diagnosis and surgical treatment]

The authors present the analysis of the results of examination and treatment of 156 patients (84 females and 72 males aged from 7 to 69 years) with primary tumors of the trachea. Morphological types of primary benign and malignant tumors of the trachea and peculiarities of their clinical features are described. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, results of roentgenologic examination and tracheobronchoscopy with biopsy. Surgical methods of treatment were endoscopic and open operations on the trachea. Endoscopic methods are of great importance in removal of benign tumors of the trachea as well as a preliminary stage before elective operation in subcompensated and decompensated neoplastic stenosis for elimination of stridor respiratory insufficiency and for decrease of secondary inflammatory disturbances in respiratory airways. In cases of extended resections of the trachea a series of special modes was provided for elimination of tension during anastomosis formation. Follow-up results of resections of the trachea for benign tumors are quite favourable. In cases of malignancies they are significantly worse. Survival of patients depends on histological type of the tumor and on the variant of resection of the trachea.