Circular tracheal resection for acquired tracheal stenosis: evaluation of early and long-term outcomes

Abstract

To present single-center experience and results of surgical treatment of acquired tracheal stenosis. There were 99 patients with acquired tracheal stenosis for the period from January 2008 to December 2017. Median age was 39 (28; 55) years (range 19-79 years), male/female ratio - 64/35. There were 59 patients with tracheostomy-related stenosis, 31 - post-intubation injury, 6 - posttraumatic stenosis, malignant and idiopathic stenosis was observed in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. Single-stage circular tracheal resection or staged surgical approach were preferred depending on localization and severity of stenosis, respiratory function at admission, severity of concomitant diseases and possibility of prolonged head adduction, presence of tracheostomy and cervical tissues inflammation, functional state of laryngeal structures. Single-stage circular tracheal resection was applied in 44 (44.4 %) out of 99 cases. In 55 (55.6%) patients staged approach was preferred: Montgomery T-tube placement followed by tracheoplasty after 6-12 months - 27 patients; tracheoplasty on prefabricated endotracheal stent - 8 patients; staged endotracheal treatment (including Dumon prosthesis deployment) - 12 patients. In 11 cases circular resection was done as a final stage of treatment. There was no in-hospital mortality after circular tracheal resection. Morbidity included anastomotic dehiscence - 2 (3.6%), recurrent stenosis in 6 months after surgery - 1 (1.8%), granulation tissue growth followed by stenosis - 4 (7.3%), wound infection - 3 (5.5%) cases), postoperative pneumonia - 2 (3.6%) patients, respectively. Tracheal resection is preferred for tracheal stenosis management. Alternative techniques are life-saving procedures, but could potentially extent the length of stenosis and delay recovery of the patient.