New cervical approach for tracheopexy

Deficiency of the tracheal cartilage is known to occur with oesophageal atresia resulting in abnormal compressibility. It does not require treatment unless symptomatic. Symptoms comprise apnoeic or cyanotic spells, often precipitated by feeds, and recurrent chest infections. When other causes such as stricture, recurrent fistula and gastro-oesophageal reflux have been excluded, the abnormality can be diagnosed radiologically and endoscopically. Previously tracheopexy through a lateral thoracic approach has been described. We describe three patients who had a successful tracheopexy through an anterior cervical approach, which is simpler, and a fourth in whom there was partial alleviation.