Tracheal resection and anastomosis in postintubation tracheal stenosis: a systematic review.

Surgical resection of the stenotic segment with end-to-end anastomosis is considered the gold standard in postintubation tracheal stenosis. However, outcomes of this concrete aetiology are not well described. With the aim to examine the extent, range and characteristics of the existing evidence, a scoping review was performed. Data sources included MEDLINE, Scopus, Ovid and the Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies in adult patients with postintubation tracheal stenosis that reported characteristics, surgical management and outcomes. A total of 125 articles were identified, of which 10 were included in the final analysis. All studies were case reports or case series (level 4 evidence) grouping 110 patients, 75 males and 35 females. The age ranged from 15 to 71 years. Cotton-Myer stenosis grade was 1 [1 (0.9%)], 2 [25 (22.7%)], 3 [70 (63.6%)] and 4 [14 (12.7%)]. Stenosis location was in the tracheal upper-third in 108 (98.2%), in the middle-third in 1 (0.9%) and in the lower-third in 1 (0.9%). Stenosis length ranged from 1 to 5.6 cm. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 60 months (2 years for the most). Most frequent complications were transitory dysphagia in 13 (11.3%), granuloma formation in 8 (7.3%), dehiscence or air leak in 5 (4.5%) and wound infection in 4 (3.6%). Restenosis rate ranged from 2% to 25%. There was no perioperative mortality. Tracheal resection and primary anastomosis in postintubation tracheal stenosis appear to be safe and effective in the short and mid-terms; however, the very low level of evidence found prevents definitive conclusions.

Slide tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis with involvement of the carina and bronchi: a case report.

A female newborn presented with respiratory distress at birth and was diagnosed with congenital tracheal stenosis. The stenosis was positioned at the distal trachea and compromised the carina and the right and left bronchi. She underwent surgical treatment using circulatory life support with veno-arterial peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the airway was reconstructed using the slide tracheoplasty technique to build a neocarina. The patient had an excellent postoperative course, was successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and invasive ventilation, and was discharged.

Management of airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a case of tracheal stenosis: case report

Abstract Stenting for lower tracheal stenosis is a tricky situation and for the safe conduct of anesthesia, it is imperative to maintain spontaneous respiration. Airway topicalization is routinely recommended for anticipated difficult airway. We report a case of upper airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a patient to be taken for tracheal stenting for lower tracheal stenosis. We would like to highlight that close monitoring of the patient is advisable during airway topicalization to detect any airway obstruction at the earliest and how fiberoptic intubation can play a pivotal role to secure the airway in an emergency scenario.

Management of airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a case of tracheal stenosis: case report.

Stenting for lower tracheal stenosis is a tricky situation and for the safe conduct of anesthesia, it is imperative to maintain spontaneous respiration. Airway topicalization is routinely recommended for anticipated difficult airway. We report a case of upper airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a patient to be taken for tracheal stenting for lower tracheal stenosis. We would like to highlight that close monitoring of the patient is advisable during airway topicalization to detect any airway obstruction at the earliest and how fiberoptic intubation can play a pivotal role to secure the airway in an emergency scenario.

Clinical, Histological, and Profibrotic Extracellular Matrix Protein Changes in a Model of Tracheal Stenosis Induced by Cervical Tracheal Autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal stenosis (TS) is a complication of prolonged intubation, tracheotomy, and tracheal surgery that compromises the vascular supply. Animal models are essential for studying its pathophysiology and the effect of interventions. OBJECTIVE: To establish a TS model in rats secondary to tracheal autotransplantation with a graft submerged in bleomycin (Atx-Bleo). Additionally, to evaluate the clinical and histological changes, as well as the expression of newly formed collagen (NFC), isoforms of transforming growth factor beta (TGFß), fibronectin (FN), elastin (ELN), integrin ß1 (ITGß1), and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) in TS. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group I (n = 20) control; group II (n = 10) end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea (tracheoplasty); and group III (n = 10) Atx-Bleo. The animals were evaluated clinically, tomographically, macroscopically, morphometrically, and microscopically. NFC deposition, and the expression of profibrotic and antifibrotic proteins were evaluated in tracheal scars. RESULTS: All animals survived the surgical procedure and the study period. Compared with the other study groups, the Atx-Bleo group developed TS and fibrosis, exhibited higher expression of NFC, TGFß1, TGFß2, FN, ELN, and ITGß1, and mild expression of TGFß3 and MMP1 (p < 0.005; analysis of variance, Dunnett and Tukey tests). CONCLUSION: Atx-Bleo in TS model rats produces tomographic and histological changes, and induces the upregulation of profibrotic proteins (TGFß1, TGFß2, collagen, FN, ELN, ITGß1) and downregulation of antifibrotic proteins (TGFß3, MMP1). Therefore, this model may be used to test new pharmacological treatments for reversing or preventing TS, and conduct basic studies regarding its pathophysiology.

Asociación del complejo ring-sling con pig bronchus: a propósito de un caso pediátrico / Ring-sling complex association with pig bronchus: a pediatric case report

El complejo ring-sling es una asociación entre el sling de la arteria pulmonar y la estenosis traqueal congénita por anillos traqueales completos. El sling de la arteria pulmonar es una forma rara de anillo vascular dentro de las cardiopatías congénitas. Se presenta el caso clínico de un niño con estridor laríngeo asociado a dificultad respiratoria evaluado en otro centro, donde se realizó endoscopia respiratoria y se observó compresión traqueal extrínseca. Ante la sospecha clínica de anillo vascular, se solicitó angiotomografía computada (angioTC) y se confirmó diagnóstico de sling de arteria pulmonar. Fue derivado a nuestro hospital y durante la intervención quirúrgica se realizó nueva endoscopia respiratoria y traqueobroncografía. Se llegó al diagnóstico de estenosis traqueal congénita con bronquio derecho accesorio (pig bronchus) y anillos vasculares completos, ambos reparados en el mismo acto quirúrgico.

The ring-sling complex is an association between pulmonary artery sling and congenital tracheal stenosis. Pulmonary artery sling is a rare form of vascular ring in congenital heart disease. The clinical case of a child with inspiratory laryngeal stridor associated with respiratory distress is presented, evaluated in another center where respiratory endoscopy was performed, observing extrinsic tracheal compression. Given the clinical suspicion of a vascular ring, CT angiography was requested, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling. He was referred to our hospital and during the surgical intervention a new respiratory endoscopy and tracheobronchography were performed, reaching the diagnosis of congenital tracheal stenosis, right accessory bronchus (pig bronchus) and complete vascular rings, both repaired in the same surgical act.

[Ring-sling complex association with pig bronchus: a pediatric case report]. / Asociación del complejo ring-sling con pig bronchus: a propósito de un caso pediátrico.

The ring-sling complex is an association between pulmonary artery sling and congenital tracheal stenosis. Pulmonary artery sling is a rare form of vascular ring in congenital heart disease. The clinical case of a child with inspiratory laryngeal stridor associated with respiratory distress is presented, evaluated in another center where respiratory endoscopy was performed, observing extrinsic tracheal compression. Given the clinical suspicion of a vascular ring, CT angiography was requested, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling. He was referred to our hospital and during the surgical intervention a new respiratory endoscopy and tracheobronchography were performed, reaching the diagnosis of congenital tracheal stenosis, right accessory bronchus (pig bronchus) and complete vascular rings, both repaired in the same surgical act.

El complejo ring-sling es una asociación entre el sling de la arteria pulmonar y la estenosis traqueal congénita por anillos traqueales completos. El sling de la arteria pulmonar es una forma rara de anillo vascular dentro de las cardiopatías congénitas. Se presenta el caso clínico de un niño con estridor laríngeo asociado a dificultad respiratoria evaluado en otro centro, donde se realizó endoscopia respiratoria y se observó compresión traqueal extrínseca. Ante la sospecha clínica de anillo vascular, se solicitó angiotomografía computada (angioTC) y se confirmó diagnóstico de sling de arteria pulmonar. Fue derivado a nuestro hospital y durante la intervención quirúrgica se realizó nueva endoscopia respiratoria y traqueobroncografía. Se llegó al diagnóstico de estenosis traqueal congénita con bronquio derecho accesorio (pig bronchus) y anillos vasculares completos, ambos reparados en el mismo acto quirúrgico.

Perioperative management of patients undergoing tracheal resection and reconstruction: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management of Tracheal Resection and Reconstruction (TRR) presents many challenges to the physicians involved in airway management. Factors related to postoperative outcomes can be identified as early as the preoperative setting and can even be linked to demographic characteristics of patients affected by tracheal stenosis. The primary aim of this study is to describe the experience of patients undergoing TRR at our hospital from an anesthesiology perspective, describing as a second aim demography, preoperative conditions, and postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a single institution retrospective review of patients who underwent TRR between 2009 and 2020. We did a post-hoc exploratory analysis to identify possible associations between perioperative complications and perioperative management. RESULTS: Forty-three ASA I-IV adult patients aged 18-72 years who underwent TRR were included. Prolonged intubation (72%) is the primary cause of tracheal stenosis. Intraoperative management: intravenous induction and laryngeal masks are now the most frequently used for airway management, especially in subglottic stenosis. Perioperative complications were vocal cord paralysis (25.6%), postoperative ventilatory support (20.9%), and need for surgical reintervention (20.9%). One patient (2%) died in the postoperative period due to anastomotic complication. After resection, dexmedetomidine is the preferred choice (48.8%) for sedoanalgesia in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative management of TRR at our hospital has a low mortality and high morbidity rate. We did not find an association between perioperative anesthetic interventions and postoperative complications. Further studies are needed to evaluate which anesthetic interventions may be associated with better outcomes.

Partial Claviculectomy to Relieve Tracheal Compression in an Adult Male with Osteomesopyknosis.

BACKGROUND: The clavicle is a long bone that forms the anterior border of the thoracic inlet. Anatomic abnormalities of the clavicle can lead to compression of the innominate artery and trachea due to mass effect. These anatomic abnormalities can be amenable to surgical resection, which can provide complete resolution of symptoms. METHODS: We present a case of tracheal compression by the innominate artery in an adult man, caused by a clavicular abnormality due to an underlying bone mineralization disorder, corrected by partial resection of the right clavicle. RESULTS: The patient underwent successful open surgical resection of his right clavicular head leading to resolution of his tracheal compression by the innominate artery. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this is the first description of tracheal compression due to osteomesopyknosis. This case demonstrates that compression of the innominate artery due to a clavicular abnormality can be safely corrected via open surgical resection.

Our 12 year experience with Montgomery T-tube in the management of acute blunt laryngotracheal trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: The Montgomery T-tube is a device used as a combined tracheal stent and tracheostomy tube to prevent post-operative tracheal stenosis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the outcome following Montgomery T-tube stenting performed in for neck and airway injury in patients with acute blunt laryngotracheal trauma over a period of 12 years. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2017, 19 patients with acute blunt laryngotracheal trauma underwent Montgomery T-tube stenting. All 19 laryngotracheal trauma patients had undergone a preoperative tracheostomy in the emergency department by an ENT surgeon. Montgomery T-tube stenting was done later through an external approach. The follow up period ranged from 2 to 10 years. The Montgomery T-tube was removed after a period ranging from 6 months to 1½ year. RESULTS: The majority of patients in the study were in the age group of 21-30 years. A preoperative tracheostomy was done in all 19 patients. All patients except 3 underwent successful decannulation, and experienced long-term satisfactory result. CONCLUSION: Management of acute blunt laryngotracheal trauma is a challenging problem that demands a multidisciplinary approach. The ideal treatment option should be individualized according to the patient's condition and characteristics of injury. According to our study we suggest that cases of acute blunt laryngotracheal trauma patients should be managed following the protocol as mentioned in our study, and we strongly emphasize that Montgomery T-tube should be left for at least 1 complete year in the airway as it results in negligible chances of post-traumatic stenosis of airway later.

Early presentation of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis in COVID-19 patient.

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas are mainly iatrogenic lesions produced by prolonged tracheal intubation. We present a case of tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis following tracheal intubation in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Treatment of tracheal stenosis with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in infants and newborns.

Tracheal stenosis in children is a challenge for the healthcare team, since it is a rare disease. Patients usually have other clinical comorbidities, mainly previous cardiac surgical interventions. This retrospective single-center study included infants with tracheal stenosis (congenital or acquired) operated between 2016 and 2020 on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Five patients were operated and the median age of detection of the tracheal disease was 3.7 months, and the median age at the operation was 5 months. All patients had associated cardiac anomalies. Four patients had congenital tracheal stenosis; two with associated pig bronchus. One patient had acquired subglottic stenosis with concomitant stenosis at the carina. After the operation, the patients were referred to ICU on ECMO with an open chest. Minor ECMO-related complications occurred in two patients (hemothorax and wound infection). All patients required endoscopic evaluation during the postoperative care; median of 3.2 procedures. Two patients are currently in follow-up and three have died. Slide tracheoplasty with VA-ECMO can be successfully performed in infants with prior cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, a difficult postoperative course should be anticipated, with possible prolonged ECMO use, readmissions, and higher morbidity and mortality than in children with tracheal stenosis alone.

A modified rabbit model of tracheal stenosis and a household endoscope. More simplicity and accessibility.

PURPOSE: To develop a simpler animal model for benign tracheal stenosis and introduce a low-cost household endoscope for postmodeling endotracheal evaluation. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into a model group (15 rabbits, subjected to transoral nylon brush scraping of the trachea) and a mock group (5 rabbits, merely exempted from scraping), a household endoscope was then introduced for weekly endoscopic examination. Meanwhile, other 15 rabbits (modeling like the model group) underwent batch tracheal resection at different postintervention times for pathological analysis. RESULTS: The model group presented a low mortality and few complications. The endoscope could obtain adequate images for stenosis assessment, which showed that the models presented homogeneous injury after scraping and developed a mature scar stricture at 28 days postoperatively with a mean stenosis degree of 65.9%, and 71.4% (10/14) above Myer-Cotton's grade II. The pathological findings were consistent with the clinicopathological process of human. No stenosis was found in mock group. CONCLUSION: The modified model is simpler, minimally invasive and reliable, while the household endoscope is competent for model's follow-up, providing easily accessible and useful tools for facilitating more extensive studies of benign tracheal stenosis.

Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Improves Extracellular Matrix Assembly for Scarring after Tracheal Resection.

Treatment of tracheal stenosis is occasionally performed in combination with wound healing modulators to manipulate new extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and prevent fibrosis. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone (collagen-PVP) decrease fibrosis in experimental tracheal healing. However, they have not been used clinically as their effect on ECM components, which modify tracheal scarring, has not been described. Objective. To evaluate the effect of the application of HA, collagen-PVP, a mixture of HA and collagen-PVP (HA+collagen-PVP), and mitomycin C on the expression of decorin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and MMP9, as well as the type of collagen and deposits formed in the scar after resection and end-to-end anastomosis (REEA) of the cervical trachea using an experimental model. Materials and Methods. Thirty dogs underwent REEA of the cervical trachea and were treated with different wound healing modulators: group I (n = 6), control; group II (n = 6), HA; group III (n = 6), collagen-PVP; group IV (n = 6), HA+collagen-PVP; and group V (n = 6), mitomycin C. The dogs were evaluated clinically and endoscopically for 4 weeks. Subsequently, macroscopic and microscopic changes, expression of ECM proteins, and collagen deposition in tracheal scars were analysed. Results. Groups II, III, and IV showed reduced endoscopic, macroscopic, and microscopic inflammation, improved neovascularization, high decorin expression (p < 0.01, analysis of variance (ANOVA)), and moderate expression of MMP1 (p < 0.003, ANOVA) and type I and III collagen (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis). Groups IV and V developed fewer collagen deposits (p < 0.001, ANOVA). Conclusion. Treatment with HA and collagen-PVP improved post-REEA healing by increasing neovascularization, stimulating the expression of decorin, and regulating the expression of MMP1, as well as type I and III collagen and their deposition.

Pediatric airway reconstruction: results after implementation of an airway team in Brazil / Reconstrução de vias aéreas pediátricas: resultados após a implantação de uma equipe de vias aéreas no Brasil

Abstract Introduction Since development of pediatric intensive care units, children have increasingly and appropriately been treated for complex surgical conditions such as laryngotracheal stenosis. Building coordinated airway teams to achieve acceptable results is still a challenge. Objective To describe patient demographics and surgical outcomes during the first 8 years of a pediatric airway reconstruction team. Methods Retrospective chart review of children submitted to open airway reconstruction in a tertiary university healthcare facility during the first eight years of an airway team formation. Results In the past 8 years 43 children underwent 52 open airway reconstructions. The median age at surgery was 4.1 years of age. Over half of the children (55.8%) had at least one comorbidity and over 80% presented Grade III and Grade IV subglottic stenosis. Other airway anomalies occurred in 34.8% of the cases. Surgeries performed were: partial and extended cricotracheal resections in 50% and laryngotracheoplasty with anterior and/or posterior grafts in 50%. Postoperative dilatation was needed in 34.15% of the patients. Total decannulation rate in this population during the 8-year period was 86% with 72% being decannulated after the first procedure. Average follow-up was 13.6 months. Initial grade of stenosis was predictive of success for the first surgery (p = 0.0085), 7 children were submitted to salvage surgeries. Children with comorbidities had 2.5 greater odds (95% CI 1.2-4.9, p = 0.0067) of unsuccessful surgery. Age at first surgery and presence of other airway anomalies were not significantly associated with success. Conclusions The overall success rate was 86%. Failures were associated with higher grades of stenosis and presence of comorbidities, but not with patient age or concomitant airway anomalies.

Resumo Introdução: Com o desenvolvimento de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica, o tratamento de crianças para situações cirúrgicas complexas, como a estenose laringotraqueal, tem sido cada vez mais adequado. Montar equipes coordenadas de via aérea para alcançar resultados aceitáveis ainda é um desafio. Objetivo: Descrever os dados demográficos e os resultados cirúrgicos dos pacientes durante os primeiros oito anos de uma equipe de reconstrução de via aérea pediátrica. Método: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de crianças submetidas à reconstrução aberta de via aérea em uma unidade de saúde universitária de nível terciário durante os primeiros oito anos de desenvolvimento de uma equipe de vias aéreas. Resultados: Nos últimos 8 anos, 43 crianças foram submetidas a 52 reconstruções abertas de vias aéreas. A mediana de idade na cirurgia foi de 4,1 anos. Mais da metade das crianças (55,8%) apresentavam pelo menos uma comorbidade e mais de 80% apresentavam estenose subglótica Grau III e Grau IV. Outras anomalias das vias aéreas ocorreram em 34,8% dos casos. As cirurgias feitas foram: ressecções cricotraqueais parciais e estendidas em 50% e laringotraqueoplastia com enxertos anterior e/ou posterior em 50%. A dilatação pós-operatória foi necessária em 34,15% dos pacientes. A taxa de decanulação total nesta população durante o período de 8 anos foi de 86%, com 72% dos pacientes decanulados após o primeiro procedimento. O seguimento médio foi de 13,6 meses. O grau inicial de estenose foi preditivo de sucesso para a primeira cirurgia (p = 0,0085), 7 crianças foram submetidas a cirurgias de resgate. Crianças com comorbidades apresentaram uma probabilidade 2,5 vezes maior (IC95% 1,2-4,9, p = 0,0067) de cirurgias sem sucesso. A idade na primeira cirurgia e a presença de outras anomalias das vias aéreas não foram significantemente associadas ao sucesso. Conclusões: A taxa global de sucesso foi de 86%. As falhas foram associadas a graus maiores de estenose e a presença de comorbidades, mas não com a idade do paciente ou anomalias concomitantes das vias aéreas.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis traqueal adquirida en pediatría / Surgical treatment of acquired tracheal stenosis in pediatrics

La estenosis traqueal adquirida es muy poco frecuente en la edad pediátrica y puede responder a múltiples causas; la estenosis posintubación y la secundaria a traqueotomía son las más comunes.El manejo de la estenosis traqueal adquirida sigue siendo controvertido. El tratamiento endoscópico proporciona el alivio inmediato de los síntomas, pero se asocia a una alta tasa de recurrencia, y el uso de prótesis endoluminales puede incrementar la longitud de la estenosis y complicar una cirugía futura. Por el contrario, se han documentado buenos resultados a largo plazo con la resección traqueal con anastomosis primaria.Se describe nuestra experiencia con la resección traqueal con anastomosis término-terminal para el tratamiento de la estenosis traqueal posintubación en 8 pacientes.

Acquired tracheal stenosis is a very infrequent lesion in the pediatric age group and may be due to diverse causes, being post-intubation stenosis and stenosis secondary to tracheostomy the most common ones.The management of acquired tracheal stenosis remains controversial. Endoscopic treatment provides immediate relief of symptoms but it is associated with a high recurrence rate, and the use of endoluminal prostheses can increase the length of the stricture complicating future surgery. Conversely, good long-term results have been documented with tracheal resection and primary anastomosis.We describe our experience with tracheal resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis for the treatment of post-intubation tracheal stenosis in 8 patients.

[Surgical treatment of acquired tracheal stenosis in pediatrics]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis traqueal adquirida en pediatría.

Acquired tracheal stenosis is a very infrequent lesion in the pediatric age group and may be due to diverse causes, being post-intubation stenosis and stenosis secondary to tracheostomy the most common ones. The management of acquired tracheal stenosis remains controversial. Endoscopic treatment provides immediate relief of symptoms but it is associated with a high recurrence rate, and the use of endoluminal prostheses can increase the length of the stricture complicating future surgery. Conversely, good long-term results have been documented with tracheal resection and primary anastomosis. We describe our experience with tracheal resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis for the treatment of post-intubation tracheal stenosis in 8 patients.

La estenosis traqueal adquirida es muy poco frecuente en la edad pediátrica y puede responder a múltiples causas; la estenosis posintubación y la secundaria a traqueotomía son las más comunes. El manejo de la estenosis traqueal adquirida sigue siendo controvertido. El tratamiento endoscópico proporciona el alivio inmediato de los síntomas, pero se asocia a una alta tasa de recurrencia, y el uso de prótesis endoluminales puede incrementar la longitud de la estenosis y complicar una cirugía futura. Por el contrario, se han documentado buenos resultados a largo plazo con la resección traqueal con anastomosis primaria. Se describe nuestra experiencia con la resección traqueal con anastomosis término-terminal para el tratamiento de la estenosis traqueal posintubación en 8 pacientes.

Pediatric airway reconstruction: results after implementation of an airway team in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Since development of pediatric intensive care units, children have increasingly and appropriately been treated for complex surgical conditions such as laryngotracheal stenosis. Building coordinated airway teams to achieve acceptable results is still a challenge. OBJECTIVE: To describe patient demographics and surgical outcomes during the first 8years of a pediatric airway reconstruction team. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of children submitted to open airway reconstruction in a tertiary university healthcare facility during the first eight years of an airway team formation. RESULTS: In the past 8 years 43 children underwent 52 open airway reconstructions. The median age at surgery was 4.1 years of age. Over half of the children (55.8%) had at least one comorbidity and over 80% presented Grade III and Grade IV subglottic stenosis. Other airway anomalies occurred in 34.8% of the cases. Surgeries performed were: partial and extended cricotracheal resections in 50% and laryngotracheoplasty with anterior and/or posterior grafts in 50%. Postoperative dilatation was needed in 34.15% of the patients. Total decannulation rate in this population during the 8-year period was 86% with 72% being decannulated after the first procedure. Average follow-up was 13.6 months. Initial grade of stenosis was predictive of success for the first surgery (p=0.0085), 7 children were submitted to salvage surgeries. Children with comorbidities had 2.5 greater odds (95% CI 1.2-4.9, p=0.0067) of unsuccessful surgery. Age at first surgery and presence of other airway anomalies were not significantly associated with success. CONCLUSIONS: The overall success rate was 86%. Failures were associated with higher grades of stenosis and presence of comorbidities, but not with patient age or concomitant airway anomalies.

Tracheal Bridge for Reconstruction of the Upper Airway in Double Tracheal Stenosis.

Tracheal reconstruction is a complex surgical procedure that requires a well-trained, multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal results. No reviews or case reports involving the use of a healthy tracheal bridge to achieve reconstruction after extensive tracheal resection (greater than 7 cm) are described. We present a clinical case of a patient with double tracheal stenosis secondary to prolonged intubation and tracheostomy for which a healthy, well-vascularized tracheal bridge was used to achieve a tracheal reconstruction without tension. The key point in performing this type of reconstruction is allowing a tension-free cervical and thoracic anastomosis.

VATS tracheal resection and reconstruction.

Tracheal resection followed by reconstruction is one of the most difficult procedures in thoracic surgery. Intrathoracic tracheal injuries were usually treated by sternotomy, thoracotomy, or a combination of these techniques. In the last decade, minimally invasive surgical techniques have become an innovative trend in the treatment of thoracic tracheal conditions. Recent authors have proven the feasibility and safety of tracheal operations using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This video tutorial demonstrates our technique for intrathoracic tracheal resection performed by VATS, using 2 ports, for the resection of postintubation stenosis. We show the steps performed by the surgical team and pay special attention to the maneuvers needed to operate with greater safety and achieve a tension-free reconstruction. This tutorial provides a method for treating this type of tracheal injury. It is of special interest for surgeons who specialize in the airway.