A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis surgery for benign tracheal stenosis, over a 10-year period

Introduction

Laryngotracheal stenosis encompasses a diverse range of diagnoses, encompassing complete or partial narrowing of various subgroups of the upper airways, including the laryngeal structures and trachea, due to pathological scar formation. This increasingly prevalent pathology is of significant importance due to its potential for life-threatening consequences. Among the defined treatment modalities, tracheal resection and end-to-side anastomosis remain a valuable therapeutic alternative in appropriate indications.

Objective

The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis at our clinic over the past decade.

Material & method

All patients who underwent tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis surgery for benign tracheal stenosis at the Department of Otolaryngology, Mustafa Kemal University Hospital between 2013 and 2023 were included in the study. The diagnosis of tracheal stenosis was based on endoscopic examination and computed tomography results. Interventions without postoperative symptoms and without the need for additional surgical intervention were considered successful. The study was approved by Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Ethics Committee with decision number 2023/27.

Results

A total of 29 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 26.48 years. 3 patients (10.35 %) had a comorbidity. In all patients orotracheal intubation or intubation and tracheotomy was the aetiological cause. There were no intraoperative complications. In the postoperative period, wound infection was observed in 3 patients (10.35 %) and subcutaneous emphysema in 2 patients (6.9 %). In 1 patient (3.45 %) recurrent respiratory distress was observed, restenosis was considered and tracheotomy was performed. Our complication rate was 20.69 %. When all patients were evaluated at the end of the postoperative follow-up period, the surgical success rate was calculated to be 96.55 %.

Conclusion

With a surgical success rate of 96.55 % and a low complication rate in our study, we believe, in parallel with previous studies, that open surgery is a reliable, physiologically appropriate and successful method among the current treatments for tracheal stenosis.