A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of complications after tracheal stenting in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Stenting has become popular to treat tracheal collapse in dogs, but complications might arise and negatively affect treatment outcome. OBJECTIVES: Determine the overall prevalence of complications of tracheal stenting in dogs. METHODS: A bibliographic search was performed of publications from 2000 to 2020. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence and measured prevalence of the 8 most commonly reported complications after tracheal stenting in dogs (stent fracture, stent migration, relapsing collapse, granuloma formation, tracheobronchial infections, and early, late, and clinically relevant late cough). Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled complications prevalence. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Cough (early: 99%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 95%-100%, late: 75%; 95% CI: 63%-85%, and clinically relevant: 52%; 95% CI: 42%-61%), tracheobronchial infections (24%; 95% CI: 14%-35%), and granulomas (20%; 95% CI: 11%-30%) were common after tracheal stenting. Stent fractures (12%; 95% CI: 5%-20%), relapsing collapse (10%; 95% CI: 5%-15%), and stent migration (5%; 95% CI: 1%-9%) were less frequent. Significant heterogeneity among studies was identified for the estimated prevalence of stent fracture, granulomas, infections, and late cough. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Tracheal stenting in dogs is associated with a high risk of coughing and a moderate risk of tracheobronchial infections and granuloma formation. Because most complications will impact a dog's quality of life, owners must be informed that tracheal stenting is a second-line procedure that does not necessarily alleviate the need for medical treatment and frequent follow-up visits. Additional studies are warranted to identify the risk factors of these complications.

Varying ENT practices in adult post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis after the COVID epidemic in France: A CHERRIES analysis.

AIM: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may increase the incidence of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), whereas management is not well defined. The aim of this study was to survey a panel of French otorhinolaryngologists about their practices and to evaluate their needs. METHOD: A national-level survey of the management of iatrogenic LTS was conducted using a 41-item questionnaire, in 4 sections, sent to a panel of French otorhinolaryngologists between July and December 2022. The main endpoint was heterogeneity in responses between 55 proposals on LTS management. RESULTS: The response rate was 20% (52/263). The response heterogeneity rate was 69% (38/55). Heterogeneity concerned general questions on diagnosis (7/12, 58%) and management (7/10, 70%), LTS case management (22/27, 81%), and otorhinolaryngologists' expectations (33%, 2/6). Quality of training was considered good or excellent by only 21% of respondents. More than 80% were strongly in favor of creating national guidelines, expert centers and a national database. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the heterogeneity of adult post-intubation LTS management between otorhinolaryngologists in France. Training quality was deemed poor or mediocre by a majority of respondents. They were in favor of creating national guidelines and expert centers in LTS.

A multicenter study analyzing the impact of pre-existing comorbidities on laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidities such as chronic lung disease and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), prematurity, and numerous other conditions may impact the success of LTR. Single-center studies are limited in terms of patient numbers and may be underpowered. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of specific comorbidities on the operation-specific and overall surgical success of LTR in a large multicenter cohort and validate a predictive model for surgical success. METHODS: A large retrospective multicenter 10-year review was undertaken to validate the data of a previous single-center study (Wertz et al. Laryngoscope 2020) which identified specific predictive comorbidities which impacted LTR outcomes. A Monte Carlo simulation based on the previous data set suggested that 300-400 cases would be needed to optimize the statistical power of a Bayesian model developed from the single-center data to predict surgical success. An IRB-approved data-sharing agreement was executed for 4 large U.S. CENTERS: A virtual REDCap® data entry form inquired about patient characteristics that best predicted surgical success in the single-center model. These included demographics, surgical approaches, cardiac, airway, genetic, endocrine, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary comorbidities; details of the surgical procedures, and results of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), esophageal pH/impedance and flexible bronchoscopy with bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) were included. Surgical success defined as successful decannulation or resolution of airway symptoms was recorded as single surgery success and overall success following open surgical revision surgery. Multivariate Bayesian analysis, logistical regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. RESULTS: 542 patients were identified, including 165 from the single-center study and an additional 377 patients from the multicenter group. The median age was 36 months at the time of the most recent surgery. 70.9% of the LTRs were double-staged procedures. The overall success rate was 86.4% and operation-specific success rate was 69.2%. The specific comorbidities and aerodigestive test results that impacted success based on univariate analysis included staging, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, GERD, ASD, PDA, grade of stenosis, advanced levels of stenosis, Trisomy 21, MRSA, prior open surgery at another hospital, and gross appearance on EGD. Bayesian model averaging with backward selection was used to validate and refine a predictive model for surgical success with favorable receiver operating curve characteristics - AUC values of 0.827 for single surgery success and 0.797 for overall success. DISCUSSION: With over 500 patients reviewed, this was the largest multicenter study of LTR to date, which elucidated the impact of comorbidities on success with LTR and was able to improve upon the predictive modeling based on single-center data. Patient factors are most critical in the outcome of LTR. Stage and levels of stenosis, as well as pulmonary and GI conditions most strongly impact the likelihood of success. Future prospective case-control studies will be performed to further optimize the current model for outcome prediction and patient management.

Post-COVID-19 airway stenosis treated by tracheal resection and anastomosis: a bicentric experience.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary challenge for the global healthcare system not only for the number of patients affected by pulmonary disease, but also for the incidence of long-term sequalae. In this regard, laryngo-tracheal stenosis (LTS) represents one of the most common complications of invasive ventilation. Methods: A case series of patients who underwent tracheal resection and anastomosis (TRA) for post-COVID-19 LTS was collected from June 2020 to September 2021. Results: Among 14 patients included, 50% had diabetes and 64.3% were obese. During intensive care unit stay, mean duration of orotracheal intubation (OTI) was 15.2 days and 10 patients (71.4%) underwent tracheostomy, which was maintained in 7 for an average of 31 days. According to the European Laryngological Society classification, 13 patients (92.9%) had a grade IIIa LTS and one a grade IIIa+. All patients underwent Type A TRA, according to the authors' classification. No major perioperative complications were reported and at the last follow-up all patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions: With the appropriate indications, TRA represents an effective treatment in post-COVID-19 LTS patients. Short OTI times and careful tracheostomy are required in order to reduce the incidence of airway injury.

Tracheal stenosis in prolonged mechanically ventilated patients: prevalence, risk factors, and bronchoscopic management.

BACKGROUND: Various complications may arise from prolonged mechanical ventilation, but the risk of tracheal stenosis occurring late after translaryngeal intubation or tracheostomy is less common. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, type, risk factors, and management of tracheal stenoses in mechanically ventilated tracheotomized patients deemed ready for decannulation following prolonged weaning. METHODS: A retrospective observational study on 357 prolonged mechanically ventilated, tracheotomized patients admitted to a specialized weaning center over seven years. Flexible bronchoscopy was used to discern the type, level, and severity of tracheal stenosis in each case. We described the management of these stenoses and used a binary logistic regression analysis to determine independent risk factors for stenosis development. RESULTS: On admission, 272 patients (76%) had percutaneous tracheostomies, and 114 patients (32%) presented mild to moderate tracheal stenosis following weaning completion, with a median tracheal cross-section reduction of 40% (IQR 25-50). The majority of stenoses (88%) were located in the upper tracheal region, most commonly resulting from localized granulation tissue formation at the site of the internal stoma (96%). The logistic regression analysis determined that obesity (OR 2.16 [95%CI 1.29-3.63], P < 0.01), presence of a percutaneous tracheostomy (2.02 [1.12-3.66], P = 0.020), and cricothyrotomy status (5.35 [1.96-14.6], P < 0.01) were independently related to stenoses. Interventional bronchoscopy with Nd:YAG photocoagulation was a highly effective first-line treatment, with only three patients (2.6%) ultimately referred to tracheal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal stenosis is commonly observed among prolonged ventilated patients with tracheostomies, characterized by localized hypergranulation and mild to moderate airway obstruction, with interventional bronchoscopy providing satisfactory results.

Estimations of Laryngotracheal Stenosis After Mechanical Ventilation: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To estimate the incidence of laryngotracheal stenosis among adults after intubation. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: We used the Nationwide Readmission Database to examine adult patients readmitted within 45 days after admission for mechanical ventilation. Those with a diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis or tracheostomy dependence on their index admission were excluded. Patient demographics, associated comorbidities, and intubation lengths were compared among those with and without a diagnosis of airway stenosis at readmission. RESULTS: An estimated 624,918 patients met inclusion with a mean age of 59 years (standard error = 0.2). There were 1,230 patients readmitted within 45 days and diagnosed with laryngeal (N = 362) or tracheal stenosis (N = 920) estimating an incidence of 1.98 per 1,000 discharges. Compared with those without a diagnosis of airway stenosis, those with stenosis were younger (57 vs. 59 years, P < .001), more often female (62% vs. 45%, P < .001) and frequently intubated for >96 hours (47% vs. 32%, P < .001). Additionally, a history of respiratory failure, pneumonia, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic steroid use were also more common among patients with stenosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified a decreased risk of stenosis with advancing age while an increased risk was associated strongest for females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-2.44, P < .001) and those with chronic steroid use (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.80-4.02, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of laryngotracheal stenosis after intubation in adults is rare but is associated with female gender and younger age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 132:1723-1728, 2022.

Functional outcome after single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with rib cartilage grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) provides a definite surgical treatment for patients with complex glotto-subglottic stenosis. To date, the influence of SSLTR on the functional outcome after surgery has not been analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients receiving a SSLTR between November 2012 and October 2019 was performed. Preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, patients received a full functional evaluation, including spirometry; voice measurements (eg, fundamental frequency; dynamic range, singing voice range, and perceptual voice evaluation using the Roughness-Breathiness-Hoarseness [RBH] score, and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [FEES]). RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with a mean age of 45 ± 17 years underwent SSTLR. Two (13%) patients were men and 13 (87%) were women. The majority of patients (67%) had undergone previous surgical or endoscopic treatment attempts that had failed. At the 3-month follow-up visit, none of the patients had signs of penetration or aspiration in their swallowing examination. Voice measurements revealed a significantly lower fundamental voice frequency (201.0 Hz vs 155.5 Hz; P = .006), whereas voice range (19.1 semitones vs 14.9 semitones; P = .200) and dynamic range (52.5 dB vs 53.0 dB; P = .777) was hardly affected. The median RBH score changed from R1 B0 H1 to R2 B1 H2. In spirometry, breathing capacity increased significantly (peak expiratory flow, 44% vs 87% [P < .001] and mean expiratory flow at 75% of vital capacity, 48% vs 90% [P < .001]). During a median follow-up of 32.5 months (range, 7-88 months), none of the patients developed re-stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: For complex glotto-subglottic stenoses, durable long-term airway patency together with reasonable voice quality and normal deglutition can be achieved by SSLTR.

Incidence and risk factor of vocal cord paralysis following slide tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Slide tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) has been shown to improve post-operative outcomes, but the incidence and risk factors of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) following slide tracheoplasty remain unclear. This study aimed to review our experience of slide tracheoplasty for CTS with a focus on post-operative VCP. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients, who underwent tracheal reconstruction with or without cardiovascular repair at Kobe Children's Hospital between June, 2016 and March, 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of a pulmonary artery sling (PA sling). Perioperative variables were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 28 patients underwent concomitant repair for associated cardiovascular anomalies, including 15 patients with PA sling. The overall incidence of VCP following slide tracheoplasty was 28.6%. The incidences of VCP were 46.7% in patients with CTS and PA sling, which were 14.3% in CTS patients without cardiovascular anomalies. The only risk factor associated with VCP following slide tracheoplasty was a concomitant repair for PA sling. Post-operatively, the duration of nasogastric tube feeding in patients with VCP was significantly longer than that in patients without VCP. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VCP following slide tracheoplasty for CTS was high, especially in concomitant repair cases for PA sling. Routine screening and evaluation of VCP soon after post-operative extubation is required for its appropriate management.

Long-term laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Long-term laryngotracheal complications have not been described in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients at high risk for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery between 2006 and 2016 was performed. High-risk patients were reviewed to determine the presence of laryngotracheal complications including laryngotracheal stenosis, keyhole deformity, or vocal cord immobility. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of long-term laryngotracheal complications. RESULTS: Of 11,417 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, 1099 were identified as at high risk. Of these, 24 (2.2%) developed laryngotracheal complications following their surgery and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Laryngotracheal stenosis and keyhole deformity were present in 13 (1.2%) and 6 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated older age (age ≥ 70 odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.83) was protective, while readmission to ICU for ventilation (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.17-8.25) and receiving a tracheostomy (OR 7.83, 95% CI 2.22-27.6) were associated with laryngotracheal complications. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of long-term laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery was 2.2%. Readmission to ICU for ventilation and having a tracheostomy performed were associated with laryngotracheal complications.

Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) with the rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED): a 6-month follow-up multicenter investigation.

BACKGROUND: The rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED) was recently introduced to improve the fiberoptic technique during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) in critically ill patients. The aim was to evaluate the long-term complications of PDT using TED equipment in a prospective multicenter investigation. METHODS: One hundred eighty adult patients underwent PDT using TED in four German hospitals. Patients who were alive or their guardians were contacted via telephone and interviewed using a structured questionnaire 6 months following the tracheostomy procedure. Patients with airway complaints were invited for outpatient clinical ENT examination. The incidence of adverse events related to PDT was registered. RESULTS: Of 180 patients who received tracheostomy, 137 (76.1%) were alive at the time of follow-up. None of the 43 lethal events was related to the PDT. Fifty-three (38.7%) patients were available for follow-up examination, whereas 14 (10.2%) were able to visit ENT physicians. Two (3.8%) out of 53 patients developed tracheocutaneous fistula with required surgical closure of tracheostoma. Dyspnea (7.5%), hoarseness (5.7%), stridor and swallowing difficulties (both with 3.8%) were the most common complaints. Tracheal stenosis was confirmed in 1 patient (1.88% [95% CI: 0.33; 9.93]). CONCLUSION: The use of TED for PDT in the clinical setting is safe regarding adverse events at 6-month follow-up. The incidence of tracheal stenosis after PDT with TED is comparable with that of flexible bronchoscopy; however, its role for PDT at the intensive care unit should be clarified in further investigations.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Outcomes in Supraglottic Jet Ventilation with a Team-Based Approach.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the safety and complications of endoscopic airway surgery using supraglottic jet ventilation with a team-based approach. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Subjects at two academic institutions diagnosed with laryngotracheal stenosis who underwent endoscopic airway surgery with jet ventilation between January 2008 and December 2018 were identified. Patient characteristics (age, gender, race, follow-up duration) and comorbidities were extracted from the electronic health record. Records were reviewed for treatment approach, intraoperative data, and complications (intraoperative, acute postoperative, and delayed postoperative). RESULTS: Eight hundred and ninety-four patient encounters from 371 patients were identified. Intraoperative complications (unplanned tracheotomy, profound or severe hypoxic events, barotrauma, laryngospasm) occurred in fewer than 1% of patient encounters. Acute postoperative complications (postoperative recovery unit [PACU] rapid response, PACU intubation, return to the emergency department [ED] within 24 hours of surgery) were rare, occurring in fewer than 3% of patient encounters. Delayed postoperative complications (return to the ED or admission for respiratory complaints within 30 days of surgery) occurred in fewer than 1% of patient encounters. Diabetes mellitus, active smoking, and history of previous tracheotomy were independently associated with intraoperative, acute, and delayed complications. CONCLUSIONS: Employing a team-based approach, jet ventilation during endoscopic airway surgery demonstrates a low rate of complications and provides for safe and successful surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2292-2297, 2021.

Tracheal anomalies associated with Down syndrome: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Airway anomalies are accountable for a substantial part of morbidity and mortality in children with Down syndrome (DS). Although tracheal anomalies occur more often in DS children, a structured overview on the topic is lacking. We systematically reviewed the characteristics of tracheal anomalies in DS children. METHODS: A MEDLINE and EMBASE search for DS and tracheal anomalies was performed. Tracheal anomalies included tracheal stenosis, complete tracheal ring deformity (CTRD), tracheal bronchus, tracheomalacia, tracheal web, tracheal agenesis or atresia, laryngotracheoesophageal cleft type 3 or 4, trachea sleeve, and absent tracheal rings. RESULTS: Fifty-nine articles were included. The trachea of DS children is significantly smaller than non-DS children. Tracheomalacia and tracheal bronchus are seen significantly more often in DS children. Furthermore, tracheal stenosis, CTRD, and tracheal compression by vascular structures are seen regularly in children with DS. These findings are reflected by the significantly higher frequency of tracheostomy and tracheoplasty performed in DS children. CONCLUSION: In children with DS, tracheal anomalies occur more frequently and tracheal surgery is performed more frequently than in non-DS children. When complaints indicative of tracheal airway obstruction like biphasic stridor, dyspnea, or wheezing are present in children with DS, diagnostic rigid laryngotracheobronchoscopy with special attention to the trachea is indicated. Furthermore, imaging studies (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound) play an important role in the workup of DS children with airway symptoms. Management depends on the type, number, and extent of tracheal anomalies. Surgical treatment seems to be the mainstay in severe cases.

Long-term intubation and high rate of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients might determine an unprecedented increase of airway stenoses: a call to action from the European Laryngological Society.

INTRODUCTION: The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, may need intensive care unit (ICU) admission in up to 12% of all positive cases for massive interstitial pneumonia, with possible long-term endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy. The most common airway-related complications of such ICU maneuvers are laryngotracheal granulomas, webs, stenosis, malacia and, less commonly, tracheal necrosis with tracheo-esophageal or tracheo-arterial fistulae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper gathers the opinions of experts of the Laryngotracheal Stenosis Committee of the European Laryngological Society, with the aim of alerting the medical community about the possible rise in number of COVID-19-related laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), and the aspiration of paving the way to a more rationale concentration of these cases within referral specialist airway centers. RESULTS: A range of prevention strategies, diagnostic work-up, and therapeutic approaches are reported and framed within the COVID-19 pandemic context. CONCLUSIONS: One of the most important roles of otolaryngologists when encountering airway-related signs and symptoms in patients with previous ICU hospitalization for COVID-19 is to maintain a high level of suspicion for LTS development, and share it with colleagues and other health care professionals. Such a condition requires specific expertise and should be comprehensively managed in tertiary referral centers.

Caracterización de estenosis traqueal por intubación prolongada en pacientes adultos / Characterization of tracheal stenosis by prolonged Intubation in adult patients

La estenosis traqueal es la disminución del calibre de la luz laríngea y traqueal como resultado de la maduración de tejido cicatrizal por lesión isquémica que el balón del tubo endotraqueal produce sobre las mucosas de la pared laringo traqueal cuando es insuflada por encima de la presión capilar (20-30 mm Hg) por un periodo incluso corto. La Asociación Americana de Cuidados Respiratorios recomienda que se utilice intubación para aquellos pacientes que ameriten ventilación mecánica por 7-10 días o menos y traqueostomía para aquellos pacientes que necesitan ventilación por más tiempo. Objetivo: Caracterizar la estenosis traqueal por intubación prolongada. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de estenosis traqueal por intubación mayor de 7 días en el Hospital General San Juan de Dios durante enero 2016 a diciembre 2019. Se evaluaron los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, diagnóstico y terapéuticos en los registros clínicos de los servicios de cirugía torácica, otorrinolaringología y neumología. Resultados: Se evaluaron 52 pacientes adultos con intubación traqueal prolongada que desarrollaron estenosis traqueal. La mayoría son hombres jóvenes con mediana de intubación de dos semanas, la indicación de intubación más frecuente fue por trauma craneoencefálico severo. La forma de diagnóstico más frecuente fue clínico seguido por radiografía y tomografía teniendo en su mayoría estenosis tipo I y II. La mayoría de los pacientes con estenosis traqueal son tratados de manera quirúrgica, comúnmente con traqueostomía, dos semanas después del primer día de intubación. La única variable asociada al tipo de tratamiento fue que se le realizara al paciente una traqueotomía, la cual fue la forma de tratamiento quirúrgico de la mayoría de los pacientes para la corrección de la estrechez traqueal (p=0.01). Conclusiones: el tiempo de intubación endotraqueal es determinante para el desarrollo de la estenosis traqueal. En este estudio se documentaron 52 pacientes que recibieron intubación traqueal prolongada y desarrollaron estenosis traqueal tras una mediana de intubación de dos semanas, lo cual deberá hacernos reflexionar sobre las prácticas y guías para implementar la realización de traqueostomías tempranas en pacientes ventilados después de 7 días (AU)

Tracheal stenosis is the decrease in the caliber of the laryngeal and tracheal lumen as a result of the maturation of scar tissue due to ischemic injury that the balloon of the endotracheal tube produces on the mucosa of the laryngo-tracheal wall when it is insufflated above capillary pressure (20-30 mm Hg) for an even short period. The American Association for Respiratory Care recommends that intubation be used for those patients who require mechanical ventilation for 7-10 days or less and tracheostomy for those patients who require ventilation for longer. Objective: To characterize tracheal stenosis due to prolonged intubation. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out that included adult patients with a diagnosis of tracheal stenosis due to intubation greater than 7 days at the San Juan de Dios General Hospital from january 2016 to december 2019. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data were evaluated in the clinical records of the thoracic surgery, otorhinolaryngology and pulmonology services. Results: 52 adult patients with prolonged tracheal intubation who developed tracheal stenosis were evaluated. Most are young men with a median intubation of two weeks, the most frequent indication for intubation was for severe head trauma. The most frequent form of diagnosis was clinical followed by radiography and tomography, mostly type I and II stenosis. Most patients with tracheal stenosis are treated surgically, commonly with a tracheostomy, two weeks after the first day of intubation. The only variable associated with the type of treatment was that the patient underwent a tracheostomy, which was the form of surgical treatment for most patients to correct the tracheal narrowing (p = 0.01). Conclusions: endotracheal intubation time is decisive for the development of tracheal stenosis. In this study, 52 patients who received prolonged tracheal intubation and developed tracheal stenosis after a median intubation of two weeks were documented, which should make us reflect on the practices and guidelines for implementing early tracheostomies in patients ventilated after 7 days

Airway Management for Endoscopic Laryngotracheal Stenosis Surgery During COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents unique challenges for surgical management of laryngotracheal stenosis. High viral concentrations in the upper aerodigestive tract, the ability of the virus to be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers and through aerosols, and the need for open airway access during laryngotracheal surgery create a high-risk situation for airway surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room personnel. While some surgical cases of laryngotracheal stenosis may be deferred, patients with significant airway obstruction or progressing symptoms often require urgent surgical intervention. We present best practices from our institutional experience for surgical management of laryngotracheal stenosis during this pandemic, including preoperative triage, intraoperative airway management, and personal protective measures.

Staging of Surgical Procedures in Comorbid Congenital Tracheal Stenosis and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Comorbid long segment congenital tracheal stenosis and congenital cardiovascular abnormalities in children pose significant challenges with regard to repairing these abnormalities simultaneously or in stages. The aim of this study was to explore whether this combination of abnormalities needs a staged approach for surgical repairs. METHODS: All children who underwent both tracheal and cardiac surgical procedures at a tertiary hospital from 1995 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively for mortality, ventilation days, postoperative intensive care unit days, mediastinitis, and unplanned reoperation by dividing them into simultaneous repairs (group 1), staged repairs within the same admission (group 2), and staged repairs during different admissions (group 3). RESULTS: Of 110 patients included in the study (group 1, 74; group 2. 10; and group 3, 26 patients), there was no significant difference in mortality (P = .85), median ventilation days (P = .99), median intensive care unit days (P = .23), unplanned airway reoperation (P = .36), and unplanned cardiac reoperation (P = .77). There was a significant difference in the rate of mediastinitis (group 1, 3%; group 2, 10%; and group 3, 19%; P = .02). There was no significant difference in 5-year survival (group 1, 86.2%; group 2, 77.8%; and group 3, 85.1%; P = .86). A higher STAT category was identified to be a risk factor for mortality in multivariate Cox regression analysis (relative risk, 5.45). CONCLUSIONS: Combined tracheal and cardiac abnormalities need a stratified approach to facilitate better clinical outcomes. Although the trajectory of care is often based on the clinical presentation, establishing a management protocol will be helpful, for which setting an international database will be useful.

Outcomes After Prehospital Endotracheal Intubation in Suburban/Rural Pediatric Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the leading cause of death in pediatric patients over 1 y of age. Controversy exists regarding prehospital airway management for these patients, with some studies suggesting that endotracheal intubation in the field or at a referring hospital is associated with increased mortality and complication rate. These studies were largely performed at urban centers, and it is unclear whether the results apply to suburban/rural networks with longer transport times and more stops at referring hospitals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differential outcomes in pediatric trauma patients who underwent endotracheal intubation at the scene of injury, referring hospital, or pediatric trauma center in a predominantly rural/suburban setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed evaluating trauma patients age 18 y or younger at a single institution over 10 y (2004-2014). Patients were selected who underwent endotracheal intubation and were classified based on location of intubation (scene, referring hospital, or trauma center). Fischer's exact test and t-tests were performed for comparison. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: 288 patients were identified. 155 (53.8%) were intubated at the scene of injury, 55 (19.1%) at a referring hospital, and 72 (25%) at the trauma center. Overall mortality was 21.9%, which was highest in the scene intubation group (29.7%) compared with the referring hospital (20%) and trauma center (5.6%) groups (P < 0.01). Patients intubated at the scene had higher Injury Severity Scores and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P < 0.01). Duration of intubation was lowest in the trauma center group (P < 0.01). Complication rate was highest in the referring hospital group (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, injury severity, and neurologic status were the key drivers of mortality rather than location of intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality and duration of intubation were lowest in trauma patients intubated at a pediatric trauma center. However, location of intubation was not a significant independent predictor of mortality or complications on multivariate analysis, suggesting that age, injury severity, and neurologic status are the main indicators of prognosis in severe pediatric trauma.

The Incidence of Laryngotracheal Stenosis in Neonates With a History of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Neonatal patients requiring prolonged intubation are susceptible to both infection and laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). This study investigated the effect of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) on the development of LTS in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: The incidence of LTS in neonates with VAP was compared with the incidence of LTS in matched intubated controls without VAP. Patients were treated at a tertiary-care medical center from 2004 to 2014. Eligible patient records were assessed for the development of LTS. Demographics, medical comorbidities, infection characteristics, and treatment variables were compared using unpaired t test or χ2 test. Statistical significance was set a priori at P < .05. RESULTS: When comparing the VAP patients with matched non-VAP controls, we found no significant differences in the incidence of LTS (VAP vs. non-VAP, 8.3% vs. 6.7%; P = .73). In subgroup analysis of the VAP cohort, LTS and non-LTS patients demonstrated similar VAP organisms on broncho-alveolar lavage (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterobacter). Additionally, within the VAP cohort, LTS and non-LTS patients showed similar gestational age (LTS vs. non-LTS, 31.3 days vs. 28.1 days; P = .22), birth weight (LTS vs. non-LTS, 1.6 kg vs. 1.2 kg; P = .33), and similar intubation duration (LTS vs. non-LTS, 37.8 days vs. 27.5 days; P = .52). CONCLUSIONS: In this neonatal cohort, VAP was not associated with an increased incidence of LTS. Given severity of the burden of LTS on the healthcare system, multi-institutional longitudinal investigation into contributing risk factors for neonatal LTS is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130:2252-2255, 2020.

Short- and long-term complications of surgical and percutaneous dilatation tracheotomies: a large single-centre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the incidence of long- and short-term complications of percutaneous dilatation tracheotomies (PDT) and surgical tracheotomies (ST). DESIGN: A single-centre retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: 305 patients undergoing a tracheotomy (PDT or ST) in the University Medical Center Groningen from 2003 to 2013 were included. Data were gathered from patient files. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short-term and long-term complications including tracheal stenosis. RESULTS: The incidence of short- and long-term complications, including tracheal stenosis, was similar in both groups. Analysis of a small high-risk subgroup showed no difference in long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of short- and long-term complications, including tracheal stenosis, is equal in PDT and ST. PDT is a safe alternative for ST in selected patients.