Post-Traumatic Tracheal Stenosis: Results of Tracheal Reconstruction: A Multicenter Case Series

Abstract

Objectives: to find out the long-term results of tracheal reconstruction in terms of presentation, operation, complications, and outcomes of tracheal reconstruction. Methods: In this case-series study, the patients who developed post-intubation tracheal stenosis following respiratory failure were followed up for two years for the possible complications. The patients were diagnosed by experienced pulmonologist in two surgical centers, Erbil and Sulaimaniya in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2017. Results: The number of patients who were included in this study was 20; including males (n=13) and females (n=7) ranged between 18-58 years. The causes of the stenosis in patients were post-intubation (n=18) and post-tracheostomy for trauma (n=5). Most patients underwent extubation after 72 hours. The Myer-Cotton Grade of stenosis were grade 1 (n=1), grade 2 (n=13), and grade 3 (n=6). The major complications were dehiscence (n=3) and anastomotic edema (n=5). The minor complications were granulation (n=13) and mild anastomotic edema (n=1). One patient developed a surgical site infection and one patient developed a mild infection. The anastomotic fibrin deposition was developed in five patients. All patients had excellent satisfaction except for two patients (unsatisfactory). One of these patients died at month 1. The patients had normal medical conditions at different times of follow-ups. Conclusions: This study showed that the results of the patients with post-traumatic tracheal stenosis were acceptable at different times for most of them.