Transtracheal Cervical Approach for Operating on Severe Intrathoracic Tracheal Stenosis Following Assisted Resplration

This report describes the surgical treatment of 5 patients with severe degrees of intrathoracic tracheal stenosis following long-term assisted respiration. The operation was carried out via a transtracheal approach in the cervical part of the trachea. Using long-handled instruments and local anaesthesia, the circular stenosed area was extirpated endotracheally. A cannular prosthesis was inserted and left in position for 4 months. The operations involved no complications, and the results were excellent in all five cases. The effect of surgery was evaluated by spirometry and body plethysmography which were performed before, and 6 to 28 months after removal of the prosthesis.