Tracheal segmental resection for tracheal cancer: comparison of cervical collar incision with median sternotomy and posterolateral incision

We compare two surgical approaches for segmental tracheal resection for tracheal cancer: cervical collar incision with median sternotomy and right posterolateral incision. In case one, a 46-year-old woman presented with adenoid cystic carcinoma, measuring 4.5 cm longitudinally, located at the junction of the cervical and mediastinal trachea. Cervical collar incision with median sternotomy provided a good exposure of the entire trachea. Although a relatively long tracheal resection (5.0 cm) was required, sufficient mobilization of the entire trachea facilitated low-tension anastomosis. In case 2, a 39-year-old man presented with squamous cell carcinoma, measuring 1.8 cm longitudinally, located at the lower trachea 1.8 cm from the carina to the proximal side. Right posterolateral incision provided a good exposure of the lower trachea. Although the required tracheal resection was relatively short (3.0 cm), the anastomotic tension was high. The high anastomotic tension was likely attributed to the limited mobilization of the proximal trachea.