Application of Neck Brace as an Alternative Method of Immobilization after Circular Tracheal Resection. Case Series

Abstract

Introduction. Cicatricial tracheal stenosis comprises a severe complication of traumatic or prolonged intubation of the trachea. Circular resection of the trachea serves as a radical method of surgical treatment. The distension of the anastamosis can be prevented by immobilization of the neck and head in the thoracic adduction, as a rule, with the Grillo suture technique. This method of fixation creates severe discomfort for the patient, especially when eating. Rare cases involve neurological disorders due to compression of the neurovascular bundles of the neck and spinal cord. Materials and methods. The study enrolled 6 patients diagnosed with cicatricial tracheal stenosis upon admission to the thoracic surgery unit. All patients underwent a circular tracheal resection. Immobilization of the cervical spine was performed using a cervical collar (Schantz collar type). Results. Immobilization was performed within 7–13 days, followed by a control tracheobronchoscopy. No complications related to anastomotic failure and no specific complications when using these orthoses were revealed. Discussion. The postoperative period was reported as uneventful; anastomotic healing proceeded in accordance with the physiological timing indicated by the framework of other studies. The applied orthosis provides immobilization of the cervical spine, preventing from any movement in this area, which is actually similar to the use of the Mulliken-Grillo suture, but has a number of advantages: absence of cosmetic defects, possibility of quick fixation and removal. Significantly, this provides an opportunity to assess the risk of neurochemical damage in patients during preliminary fixation of the head in the hyperflexic position at the preoperative stage. Conclusion. Having such advantages as the absence of cosmetic defects and the possibility of quick removal, this method of neck fixation can be considered as an alternative to the classical fixation method.