Segmental Tracheal Resection for Thyroid Cancer: Perioperative Morbidity, Locoregional Control, and Survival

Background Segmental tracheal resection is rarely needed for advanced thyroid cancer but is among the most complex, high‐risk thyroid surgeries. Methods Retrospective study of patients undergoing segmental tracheal resection for thyroid cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005–2024). Results We identified 120 patients with a median follow‐up of 4.6 years (range 0.02–16.38). Papillary thyroid cancer was most common (68%). The median number of tracheal rings resected was 4 (range 1–9). Seventeen (14%) patients had a new tracheostomy placed at the time of surgery, with 11 (9%) remaining trach‐dependent at last follow‐up. Twenty‐six (22%) patients had a return to the operating room within 30 days, while 3 (3%) patients suffered perioperative mortality. The more common postoperative complications included tracheostomy tube placement (10%), hematoma (7%), and anastomotic air leak (6%). Median hospitalization was 6 days (range 2–67). Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 79% and 77% at 5 years, respectively. Conclusions Segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer is technically complex and high‐risk, but most patients stay recurrence‐free 5 years post‐surgery.