Cricotracheal Resection in a Patient with Severe Subglottic Stenosis - Advantages of a Temporary Non-Cannulated Tracheostomy

BACKGROUND: Stenosis in the area of the cricotracheal segment is still a challenging problem to be dealt with. Post-intubational cases mark an increase in recent years due to the advances in intensive care, thoracic surgery and neurosurgery departments. CASE REPORT: This paper describes a case report of a patient with severe subglottic stenosis (grade III according to the Cotton-Myer scale), introduces a new option in cricotracheal resections - postoperative temporary non-cannulated tracheostomy and describes its advantages. CONCLUSION: This variation of classical operative techniques provides additional fixation of the trachea, thus relieving any transitory tension on the anastomosis; acts as a valve and decreases the air-pressure in the upper airways during coughing and sneezing in the post-operative period; and is an easy access point for video tracheoscopy of the anastomosis.