Tracheal and tracheobronchial resections: Technique and results in 20 cases

Abstract

Summary This communication reports 20 cases of tracheal and tracheobronchial resections. The study period extends from 1951 until 1964. In 16 cases, annular resection was elected and repair completed by end-to-end tracheal or bronchotracheal anastomosis. Four technical points are emphasized: (1) at the time of resection, ventilation and anesthesia must be provided through the distal airway, (2) annular resection with end-to-end anastomosis is to be preferred when technically feasible, (3) following resection of the tracheal bifurcation, reconstruction of the bronchial tree is essential, and (4) when dealing with malignant lesions, complete removal of the tumor must always be controlled by quick section. Lateral, as opposed to annular, resection is only used when the latter is technically impossible. Immediate results and late results with follow-up from 8 months to 11 years have been presented.