Operative technique: Tracheal resection and anastomosis in a revision surgery

Tracheal stenosis is an uncommon pathological condition in which the lumen of the trachea is reduced. Within its management an adequate preoperative workup is crucial to determine the most appropriate procedure for each patient. In this scenario tracheal resection and anastomosis is a viable approach, as a procedure in which part of the trachea is removed and then restored with a tension-free anastomosis. It is usually indicated for extensive and high-grade lesions or when previous endoscopic procedures had failed. The patient here presented had already undergone a balloon dilatation twice and a tracheal resection and referred to our clinic with a residual tracheal stenosis graded Myer-Cotton 3 involving three tracheal rings. We here illustrate step-by-step the surgical procedure and highlight a peculiar way to perform the anastomosis, especially in a revision surgery.

Automated summary

Tracheal stenosis is a rare condition where the trachea becomes narrow. A thorough preoperative evaluation is essential to determine the appropriate surgical procedure. Tracheal resection and anastomosis is a viable option, especially for extensive and high-grade lesions or failed endoscopic procedures. The patient in this case had undergone balloon dilatation and tracheal resection before, and was referred to our clinic with residual tracheal stenosis. We illustrate the surgical procedure and highlight a unique way to perform the anastomosis, particularly in a revision surgery.