Tracheal Obstruction

Abstract

Tracheal obstruction, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate therapy, manifests itself by cough, wheezing, exertional dyspnea, hemoptysis, and respiratory arrest. Thirty-three patients with tracheal obstruction were studied: 17 had tracheal stenosis secondary to tracheostomy and ventilatory assistance, 7 had primary tracheal tumors, and 9 had either secondary tracheal tumors or extrinsic compression by esophageal or thyroid tumors. The diagnosis of tracheal obstruction was confirmed by roentgenograms of the trachea and bronchoscopy. The ideal treatment for tracheal obstruction caused by benign tracheal stenosis or malignant tumors is primary resection with end-to-end anastomosis. Cobalt therapy with or without surgical resection provides good palliation for extensive primary or secondary tracheal tumors.