Long-term results after 110 tracheal resections

Objective: Among the many therapeutic options for treating tracheal stenosis (e.g. bouginage, laser resection and stenting), segmental resection and reconstruction with end-to-end anastomosis is the method of choice. We verified this in an analysis of clinical material. Patients and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 110 tracheal sleeve resections performed between 1985 and 2001. Data before and after resection were analyzed, and the patients were interviewed. Results: The aetiology of stenosis was mainly postintubation injury (n = 92) (83.6%), followed by goiter with malacia (n = 8) (7.3%) and tumor (n = 6) (5.5%). There were a few other causes (n = 3) (2.7%). 48 patients (43.6%) had undergone prior conservative or surgical treatment other than sleeve resection. A cervical approach was used in 93 (84.6%), a cervicomediastinal in 15 (13.6%), and a transthoracic in two. Healing of anastomosis was uncomplicated in 101 patients (91.8%). Major and minor complications occurred in 29 patients (26.4); there were 4 dehiscences (3.6%), 3 restenoses (2.7%), 2 suture line granulations (1.8%) and 4 vocal cord dysfunctions (3.6%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9%. 77 patients were interviewed after surgery (median 80.1 months); 93.5% (n = 72) were satisfied with the surgical treatment. Conclusions: Resection and reconstruction offer the best treatment for tracheal stenosis. Lethal complications were due to severe comorbidity. Many patients today still undergo unsuccessful conservative treatment before being referred to surgery.