Tracheal Dehiscence Research Articles

Pharyngeal mucosal closure in total laryngectomy: comparison between vertical and T-shaped closure.

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes vertical and T-shaped pharyngoplasty closure techniques after total laryngectomy (TL) and to evaluate the factors associated with the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula. We performed a retrospective study that included patients with a histopathological diagnosis of laryngeal cancer that underwent TL between 2009 and 2021. Fifty-seven patients were included in the study. A total of 14 patients underwent a vertical closure of the neopharynx (24.6%), while 43 patients underwent a T-shaped closure (74.4%). Pharyngocutaneous fistula was the most common complication, observed in 40.4% of cases (n = 23). No difference in the rate of complications was observed between groups, with the exception of tracheal dehiscence which was reduced in patients with T-shaped closure (n = 2, 4.7% vs. n = 5, 35.7%, p = 0.002). Diabetes mellitus was more frequently observed in patients withthe development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (n = 7, 30.4% vs. n = 3, 8.8%, p = 0.03). Although complicationswere lower in the T-shaped closure group, we could not establish the superiority of either technique.

Factores pronósticos en el trasplante cardiopulmonar: experiencia a 30 años en un centro de referencia

IntroductionHeart–lung transplantation has shown a progressive decrease in the number of procedures. There is a lack of information about this field in Spain. The main goal of this study is to analyze the experience of a national reference hospital. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of a historical cohort of heart–lung transplanted patients in a single center, during a 30 years period (from 1990 to 2021). The associations between variables were evaluated using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences were evaluated using the log-rank test and multivariate analysis with the Cox method. ResultsA decrease in the number of procedures performed in the last decade was observed [2000–2009: 19 procedures (44.2%); 2010–2021: 15 procedures (34.8%)]. Early postoperative mortality was 23.3%, falling to 13.3% from 2010. In-hospital mortality was 41%, falling to 33% from 2010.Main factors related to higher mortality: previous thoracic surgery, corticosteroid therapy, extracorporeal circulation (ECLS) greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, and tracheal dehiscence (p < 0.005).Overall survival at one, five, and ten years was 58%, 44.7%, and 36.1%, respectively. Factors associated with lower survival rates: previous thoracic surgery, male donor, extracorporeal circulation greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, tracheal dehiscence and weight difference (p < 0.005). ConclusionsThere has been a progressive decrease in the number of heart–lung transplantations, being more evident in the last decade, but showing an improvement in both mortality and survival.

Prognosis factors in heart-lung transplantation: 30 years experience in a reference center

IntroductionHeart-lung transplantation has shown a progressive decrease in the number of procedures. There is a lack of information about this field in Spain. The main goal of this study is to analyze the experience of a national reference hospital. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of a historical cohort of heart-lung transplanted patients in a single center, during a 30 years period (from 1990 to 2021). The associations between variables were evaluated using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences were evaluated using the log-rank test and multivariate analysis with the Cox method. ResultsA decrease in the number of procedures performed in the last decade was observed [2000−2009: 19 procedures (44.2%); 2010−2021: 15 procedures (34.8%)]. Early postoperative mortality was 23.3%, falling to 13.3% from 2010. In-hospital mortality was 41%, falling to 33% from 2010.Main factors related to higher mortality: previous thoracic surgery, corticosteroid therapy, extracorporeal circulation (ECLS) greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, and tracheal dehiscence (p < 0.005).Overall survival at one, five, and ten years was 58%, 44.7%, and 36.1%, respectively. Factors associated with lower survival rates: previous thoracic surgery, male donor, extracorporeal circulation greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, tracheal dehiscence and weight difference (p < 0.005). ConclusionsThere has been a progressive decrease in the number of heart-lung transplantations, being more evident in the last decade, but showing an improvement in both mortality and survival.

Patient with neck swelling.

An approximately 70-year-old female with a history of anaplastic thyroid cancer with metastasis to the lungs and cervical spine presented to the emergency department with a new fluctuant neck swelling of approximately 1 week's duration (Figure 1, Video 1). The mass was non-tender but oscillated paradoxically with respirations. The patient also noted a mildly hoarse voice. One month previously, she underwent total radical thyroidectomy with extensive soft tissue resection, including cricotracheal resection with primary re-anastomosis. The patient underwent computed tomography with contrast of the neck. (Figure 2). The computed tomography revealed a large, predominantly air-filled collection in the anterior neck measuring 7 × 6 × 6 cm and communicating with a contained tracheal perforation. The patient was taken to the operating room the following day, confirming breakdown of the cricotracheal repair. The patient underwent debridement and revision tracheostomy. Tracheal dehiscence is the complete disruption of the tracheal wall. This is in contrast to tracheal diverticulum, which represents an outpouching of the tracheal wall.1, 2 Anastomotic dehiscence occurs in 2.5%–11% of postoperative patients.3, 4 Known risk factors for dehiscence include diabetes and laryngotracheal resections, as well as long resections, pediatric age group, preoperative tracheostomy, and tension on the anastomosis. The current case is unusual in the timing of the diagnosis (1 month after surgery) and the large size of the perforation.5, 6 Surgical complications of tracheal repair may occur in up to 27% of patients. Bilateral recurrent nerve palsy is the most common complication. Other potential complications include anastomotic dehiscence, hypoparathyroidism, glottic edema, anastomotic stenosis, bleeding, respiratory insufficiency, and ventilator dependency.7, 8

PSAT281 Crico-tracheal Resection with End-to-End Anastomosis for Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer: A Case Series of Early Postoperative Outcomes of a Low-Income Country from Latin America

Abstract Introduction Tracheal invasion is a poor prognostic factor in patients with aggressive thyroid cancer. Crico-tracheal resection and primary anastomosis (CTRA) is the preferred surgical technique. Appropriate resection can improve early postoperative outcomes and long-term oncological outcomes. A recent systematic review of eastern literature showed a moderate rate of postoperative complications. However, there is a paucity of data regarding early postoperative complications in Latin America. Therefore, the aim of this report is to describe the early postoperative outcomes of three patients with thyroid cancer invading the trachea who underwent CTRA in two tertiary referral centers (1 public and 1 private) in a low-income country. Clinical Cases There were 2 females (F1: 53 y, F2: 55 y) and 1 male (M1: 53 y) patients from Ecuador. Patient F1 had follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and was operated on in the public center and patients F2 and M1 had classic variant of PTC. Neck CT and perioperative flexible endoscopy were performed for airway invasion assessment. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy with circumferential CTRA. Patient F1 had a right lobe thyroid tumor with intraluminal invasion of the 5th tracheal ring up to the cricoid cartilage, the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and common carotid artery, and bilateral central neck lymph node metastasis. She underwent bilateral central neck dissection, carotid shaving, and RLN resection. Patient F2 showed an enlarged, multinodular thyroid invading the 4th up to the 1st tracheal ring, without luminal compromise. There was no invasion to other structures. Patient M1 had a right lobe thyroid tumor, with intraluminal invasion of the 4th tracheal ring up to the cricoid cartilage and invasion of the RLN. He underwent RLN resection. Patient F1 and M1 were classified as Shin IV and patient F2, Shin III. Regarding the 30-day postoperative complications, patient F1 had tracheostomy infection on day 5, tracheal dehiscence and anastomotic dehiscence that caused massive bleeding, cardiorespiratory failure and death on day 8. Patient M1 only presented mild bleeding through the traqueostomy tube on day 1, non-compressive cervical hematoma on day 2, and was discharged on day 5. Patient F2 had no complications and was discharged on day 3. The last 2 patients were decanulated successfully at the 2-week follow-up and received adjuvant radioactive iodine. Conclusions CTRA seems to be a safe procedure with moderate postoperative complications, low mortality, and zero tracheotomy-dependency rates in patients operated in Ecuador. Our results are similar to those described in the international literature. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and draw robust conclusions. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Modified single-stage segmental cricotracheal resection.

The objective of our work is to demonstrate in a large cohort of patients with cricotracheal stenosis that resection of long airway segments could be performed with no increased risk of postoperative complications. A consecutive series of patients getting cervical segmental cricotracheal resection (CTR) were reviewed. The typical segmental tracheal resection technique has been modified to accommodate long segment removal. Modifications include using trachea to enable the reconstruction of the larynx itself as well as the placement of a "laryngosternopexy" stitch between the thyroid lamina and the sternoclavicular ligament designed to take all of the tension off the anastomosis and to prevent inadvertent head extension. Anastomosis was performed by using continuous barbed sutures that allowed gradual approximation of the proximal and distal segments even in the presence of a large segmental airway resection defect that could involve as much as half of the tracheal length. Thirty-eight patients were treated. Primary etiologies of cricotracheal stenosis were prolonged intubation and tracheostomy. All had Grade III-IV stenosis. Only one patient had postoperative revision surgery for anastomosis-based disease. All patients with tracheostomy (n=29) were successfully decannulated. Complications occurred in five patients. These included acute airway obstruction requiring emergency tracheostomy through the anastomosis, a tracheal dehiscence, laryngeal edema with airway obstruction, superficial wound infections, neck abscesses, and transient vocal cord immobility. Modified cricotracheal resection has comparable results to traditional techniques and may offer advantages such as resection of long tracheal segments without any increase in the risk of post-anastomosis airway leak.

Three-dimensional Modeled T-tube Design and Insertion in a Patient With Tracheal Dehiscence

A 68-year-old man with recurrent medullary thyroid cancer underwent cervical tracheal resection and reconstruction. His course was complicated by tracheal anastomotic dehiscence, right carotid blowout, and ultimately cervical tracheoplasty with AlloDerm. Given the complex vascular interventions and upper-airway anatomy, a custom-designed Montgomery T-tube was designed for him. Three-dimensional digital reconstruction of his upper airways was obtained from a CT scan. The T-tube was designed and fabricated based on the digital trachea model and was subsequently placed successfully. Follow-up CT scan and bronchoscopy confirmed placement and revealed no granulation tissue at 4 weeks. The patient was discharged to home with the ability to phonate. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of three-dimensional modeling of an upper-airway defect with subsequent T-tube design using engineering software. The success of this case demonstrates a possible avenue for personalized airway prosthesis design and manufacturing in the future.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Extubation, and Lung-Recruitment Maneuvers as Rescue Therapy in a Patient With Tracheal Dehiscence Following Slide Tracheoplasty

Long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis is characterized by complete tracheal rings. Surgery is required during infancy to optimize outcomes, and the post-surgery complications include mucus plugging, airway trauma, dehiscence at the surgery site, and death. We report a 5-week-old patient who developed a tracheal-wall dehiscence after a slide tracheoplasty. To safeguard against further dehiscence and to protect her one functional lung, we used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After she was stabilized on veno-arterial ECMO we extubated and continued ECMO for 5 days. On postoperative day 14 we removed the ECMO and transitioned her to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and performed slow lung-recruitment maneuvers every 2 hours. This strategy of ECMO with extubation, then high-frequency oscillatory ventilation is a useful rescue therapy in patients with postoperative tracheal dehiscence.

Successful repair of tracheal dehiscence after heart-lung transplantation

Tracheal dehiscence remains one of the most feared complications after heart-lung transplantation because of its nearly universal fatality rate. Drawing on experiences from the tracheal reconstruction and the lung transplantation literature, we report the successful repair of tracheal dehiscence, after heart-lung transplantation, with an intercostal muscle flap.

Microvascular transfer of long tracheal autograft segments in the canine model.

The reconstruction of long segment tracheal defects represents an unsolved clinical dilemma. Prior attempts to directly revascularize tracheal segments have been unsuccessful. The objective of this study was to evaluate orthotopic autotransplantation of revascularized long tracheal segments in the canine model. Ten randomly selected mongrel dogs underwent excision, orthotopic reimplantation, and microvascular revascularization of a long segment (8.0 cm) of cervical trachea. The cranial thyroid artery and the internal jugular vein served as the vascular supply for the tracheal segment. The animals were maintained for a period of 30 days during which time graft viability was measured by routine endoscopic assessment and tracheal biopsies. Ex vivo, tracheal autografts were examined grossly for graft healing an d microscopicallyfor histologic architecture. Seven of 10 dogs survived the predetermined 30-day postoperative study period without complications. Postmortem examination demonstrated that 7 dogs had healed tracheal autograft segments with normal histologic architecture, 2 dogs sustained a postoperative wound infection and tracheal dehiscence, and 1 dog sustained a fatal postoperative hematoma. For the first time, we have demonstrated direct revascularization of long segment tracheal autografts in the dog model using the cranial thyroid artery and internal jugular vein as the vascular supply.

Pulmonary artery sling: reimplantation versus antetracheal translocation

Background. We compared two repair techniques for pulmonary artery sling. The first comprised detachment of the aberrant left pulmonary artery from the right pulmonary artery and its implantation into the main pulmonary artery, and the second, translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea (without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery), resection of tracheal stenosis, and end-to-end reconstruction of the trachea. Methods. Five symptomatic infants (3 boys and 2 girls; median age 5 months; range, 3 weeks to 11 months) with pulmonary artery sling were operated on through a median sternotomy with aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. In 3 patients, the left pulmonary artery was transected from the right pulmonary artery and implanted into the main pulmonary artery. In addition, the anterior trachea was augmented with a pericardial patch (n = 2). In the remaining 2 patients, associated tracheal stenosis was resected, the left pulmonary artery was translocated anterior to the trachea, and the trachea was reconstructed. Results. All 5 infants survived the operation. The 3 patients in whom the left pulmonary artery was implanted into the main pulmonary artery had an uncomplicated postoperative course. All 3 patients, at a follow-up of 10 months to 7.9 years, were free of symptoms; the left pulmonary artery was documented to be widely patent. The remaining 2 patients in whom the left pulmonary artery was translocated anterior to the trachea could not be extubated. In both patients the distal trachea was compressed anteriorly by the left pulmonary artery. One of these patients died at 1 week postoperatively secondary to tracheal dehiscence. In the other patient, the left pulmonary artery was implanted into the main pulmonary artery with good result; at a follow-up of 3.9 years, mild residual stridor has persisted. Conclusions. In pulmonary artery sling, implantation of the aberrant left pulmonary artery into the main pulmonary artery, if necessary combined with anterior tracheoplasty, reliably eliminates tracheal and esophageal compression and maintains antegrade flow into the left pulmonary artery. Translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery is not favored because that might result in anterior compression of the trachea. In addition, we are concerned about growth of the circumferential tracheal anastomosis in neonates and infants.

Heart-lung transplantation at Papworth Hospital

Combined heart-lung transplantation has been performed in 51 patients since 1984. A pulmonary preservation fluid preceded by prostacyclin infusion has allowed distant procurement. Early organ function has been good in all cases. Maintenance immunosuppression is cyclosporine and azathioprine. Steroids are given to treat rejection episodes. Transbronchial biopsy has allowed the accurate, early and safe diagnosis of rejection. Acute cardiac rejection has not occurred in these patients. Thirty-seven patients are alive between 1 and 54 months following transplantation. The actuarial survival at 1 year is 76% and 68% at 2 years. Four patients died in the early postoperative period as a result of primary Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Other causes of early death were bacterial infection (4), cerebrovascular event (1), tracheal dehiscence (1) and small bowel infarction following retransplantation for obliterative bronchiolitis. Three other patients have died as a result of obliterative bronchiolitis. Patients and donors have been carefully selected to ensure that this scarce resource is utilised most effectively.