The management of congenital tracheal stenosis

Impact of preoperative respiratory distress on outcomes of slide tracheoplasty

OBJECTIVES

Children with congenital tracheal stenosis born in the developing world face a high risk of mortality due to limited access to proper treatment. Patients who required preoperative respiratory support were suspected to have poor survival after slide tracheoplasty; however, this was not clearly demonstrated in the previous studies. This study aims to investigate the impact of preoperative respiratory conditions on outcomes of slide tracheoplasty.

METHODS

From 2016 to 2022, children who underwent slide tracheoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with respiratory distress requiring emergency operations (group A) were compared with patients in stable condition who were scheduled for surgery (group B).

RESULTS

Perioperative results revealed that group A (n = 43) had a longer bypass time (P < 0.001), operation time (P = 0.01), postoperative ventilation time (P < 0.001) and length of intensive care unit stay (P = 0.00125) than group B (n = 60). The early mortality rate was 7.8%, and the actuarial 5-year survival rate was 85.3%. The cumulative incidence test revealed that group A was highly significant for overall mortality [sudistribution (SHR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-16.4; P = 0.023]. Risk factors for overall mortality were prolonged postoperative ventilation time (hazard ratio 3.86; 95% CI 1.20-12.48; P = 0.024), bronchial stenosis (hazard ratio 5.77; 95% CI 1.72-19.31; P = 0.004), and preoperative tracheal mucositis (hazard ratio 5.67; 95% CI 1.51-21.31; P = 0.01). Four patients needed reintervention during a follow-up of 28.4 months (interquartile range 15.3-47.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative respiratory distress negatively affected the outcomes of patients who required slide tracheoplasty. Therefore, early detection of congenital tracheal stenosis and aggressive slide tracheoplasty are crucial and obligatory to enhance long-term survival in this lethal congenital airway disease.

Neonatal Airway Abnormalities

Neonatal airway abnormalities are commonly encountered by the neonatologist, general pediatrician, maternal fetal medicine specialist, and otolaryngologist. This review article discusses common and rare anomalies that may be encountered, along with discussion of embryology, workup, and treatment. This article aims to provide a broad overview of neonatal airway anomalies to arm those caring for these children with a broad differential diagnosis and basic knowledge of how to manage basic and complex presentations.

A case of successful slide tracheoplasty for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis in a neonate with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and Fallot's tetralogy

Background

Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a rare and life-threatening airway disorder, which is often associated with cardiac malformations. Among them, neonatal symptomatic CTS with cardiac malformations has an extremely poor prognosis. In contrast to cardiac malformation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has rarely been associated with CTS. We report a neonatal case in which slide tracheoplasty and intracardiac repair were performed simultaneously for CTS and Fallot’s tetralogy (TOF).

Case presentation

An infant with left CDH and Fallot's tetralogy (TOF) was born by cesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation. At the time of resuscitation, a 2.5 mm (ID) endotracheal tube could only be inserted just below the vocal cords. After repairing the CDH at 3 days of age, planned extubation was performed at 7 days of age. However, the patient required re-intubation due to life-threatening episodes after 2 days of the extubation. Enhanced CT revealed a long segment CTS from the upper trachea to the right bronchus (length of stenosis: 40 mm, minimum inner diameter: 2 mm). At 24 days of age, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was introduced due to severe respiratory failure. At 28 days of age, slide tracheoplasty and palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR) was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). After tracheoplasty, a 3.5 mm tracheal (ID) tube could be placed in the reconstructed trachea in a patient with CTS. ECMO was completed 7 days after the operation. On the 17th day after the operation, he was extubated successfully. He was discharged 5 months after birth with home oxygenation therapy.

Conclusions

We reported the successful simultaneous correction of slide tracheoplasty and palliative RVOTR for a neonate with CDH. ECMO was used for respiratory management before and after surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40792-022-01422-9.

Surgical management of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis with tracheobronchial malacia

OBJECTIVES

Slide tracheoplasty has become the mainstream treatment for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS). However, technical improvements are still needed to improve the clinical outcomes of patients exhibiting LSCTS with tracheobronchial malacia.

METHODS

LSCTS patients who underwent tracheoplasty from January 2010 to December 2020 were reviewed. According to the time of surgical technique modifications for reconstructing a supportive carina, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (2010-2018) and group B (2019-2020). We identified a well-balanced cohort matched by propensity score to evaluate the differences in surgical outcomes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between group A and group B in any of the 8 characteristics before and after propensity score matching. In the propensity score-matched cohort, the number of patients who accepted anterior carina tracheopexy (75/77 vs 4/77, P < 0.001) and in situ pericardium insertion (75/77 vs 14/77, P < 0.001) in group B was significantly greater than that in group A. The mechanical ventilation time [48.3 (interquartile range: 29.6, 116.3) h vs 73.3 (interquartile range: 47.9, 111.6) h, P = 0.009] and cumulative mortality (P = 0.023) were significantly lower in Group B than Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstructing a supportive, stable carina of the neotrachea and tracheobronchopexy are helpful to improve the outcomes of slide tracheoplasty.

Treatment of the Carotid In-stent Restenosis: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: In-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stent (CAS) is not uncommon. We aimed to evaluate therapeutic options for ISR after CAS. Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE until November 2, 2020 for studies including the treatment for ISR after CAS. Results: In total, 35 studies, covering 1,374 procedures in 1,359 patients, were included in this review. Most cases (66.3%) were treated with repeat CAS (rCAS), followed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (17.5%), carotid endarterectomy (CEA) (14.3%), carotid artery bypass (1.5%), and external beam radiotherapy (0.4%). The rates of stroke & TIA within the postoperative period were similar in three groups (PTA 1.1%, rCAS 1.1%, CEA 1.5%). CEA (2.5%) was associated with a slightly higher rate of postoperative death than rCAS (0.7%, P = 0.046). Furthermore, the rate of long-term stroke & TIA in PTA was 5.7%, significantly higher than rCAS (1.8%, P = 0.036). PTA (27.8%) was also associated with a significantly higher recurrent restenosis rate than rCAS (8.2%, P = 0.002) and CEA (1.6%, P < 0.001). The long-term stroke & TIA and recurrent restenosis rates showed no significant difference between rCAS and CEA. Conclusions: rCAS is the most common treatment for ISR, with low postoperative risk and low long-term risk. CEA is an important alternative for rCAS. PTA may be less recommended due to the relatively high long-term risks of stroke & TIA and recurrent restenosis.

Risk Stratification of Slide Tracheoplasty for Pediatric Airway Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Slide tracheoplasty (STP) is the procedure of choice for treatment of long segmental congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS). Few studies predict factors leading to reintervention or mortality after STP. We analyzed a pediatric population to identify such factors and compared the outcome between 2 eras (1995-2012 and 2013-2017).

METHODS

We analyzed 150 consecutive children who underwent STP from February 1995 to December 2017 in our hospital.

RESULTS

Median age and weight were 6.9 months and 6.1 kg. Average tracheal diameter of LSCTS was 2.3 mm. Tracheal stenosis extended into bronchus in 36 patients and distal malacia in 38. Median follow-up was 67 months; mortality was 12.7%. Balloon dilatation was required in 81 patients (54%), stents in 29 (19%), and reoperation in 4 (3%). The presence of malacia, preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, congenital anomalies, and single lung anatomy increased the risk for reintervention. Cox regression analysis revealed preoperative ventilation to be an independent factor predicting reintervention and single lung tracheal anatomy for mortality. In the current era (after 2013), survival improved from 88% to 97% and stent requirement was reduced from 25% to 11%.

CONCLUSIONS

Slide tracheoplasty can be applied to various airway configurations seen in LSCTS. The requirement for reintervention such as balloon dilatation and stenting is high in the group requiring preoperative ventilation. Mortality is highest in the single lung anatomy group. Centralization of care allowed us to develop the multidisciplinary team expertise to manage this and other rare airway conditions with acceptable outcomes.

Lethal severe congenital tracheal stenosis with tracheal ring complicating respiratory distress syndrome in an extremely premature infant: first reported case in Qatar with a literature review

In the context of prematurity, lethal congenital airways malforamtion can be masked by the symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome. A high index of suspicion is required. We present the case of a 28-week preterm infant, with atypical protracted respiratory insufficiency despite the escalation of mechanical ventilation. The possibility of airway obstruction was considered in view of severe chest retraction while on the mechanical ventilator. It was also difficult to pass suction catheters beyond a certain depth in the trachea; however, intubation of the upper trachea was accomplished twice without difficulty. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed complete tracheal ring with severe tracheal stenosis; there was no evidence of tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Due to advanced multi-organ dysfunction at diagnosis, a decision was made with the family to re-orientate from intensive care to compassionate care. Ethical considerations in similar cases should incorporate the improved outcomes of prematurity and recent advances in tracheal reconstruction.

Bridging bronchus (pseudocarina) and left pulmonary artery sling: A case report and literature review

Congenital airway malformations can present with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and difficulty feeding in the neonate or infant. Clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to fatal airway obstruction. They may exist in isolation or in association with vascular rings and slings, bronchopulmonary malformations, and/or syndromes. We present an unusual case of bridging bronchus, complete bronchial rings, and left pulmonary artery sling presenting with recurrent croup, highlighting the importance of bronchoscopy and CT imaging to achieve an accurate diagnosis in patients with recurrent croup and/or respiratory failure not responding to usual treatment measures and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Quality of life can be good after slide tracheoplasty for long-segment tracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to measure 'health-related quality of life' (HRQoL) in children following slide tracheoplasty for long-segment tracheal stenosis (LSTS) and to explore the relationship of comorbidities and parental mental health with HRQoL outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken with children who had undergone slide tracheoplasty. Participants included parents and children (age 5-15 years) recruited over a 13-month period, who were asked to complete validated measures of HRQoL, development and behaviour. Scores were compared to published norms.

RESULTS

Forty-two children (male 69%; n = 29) were included; mean age was 5.3 (standard deviation 3.5) years and mean follow-up was 45 (range 4-179) months. Mean total HRQoL scores for children with repaired LSTS did not differ from those of healthy norms other than for children aged 13-23 months, but 10 children (24%) had scores >2 SD below the mean for healthy children. HRQoL was poorer in children with non-cardiac congenital comorbidities than in those with isolated LSTS (mean scores 60.34 ± 17.19 and 85.52 ± 12.19, respectively, P = 0.01). There was good agreement between children's and parents' scores, although children rated their HRQoL as better than their parents did. Anxious parents rated their children's HRQoL as significantly worse than non-anxious parents (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older children with isolated LSTS can have excellent HRQoL after surgery. Younger children, at an earlier time point postoperatively, and those with non-cardiac congenital comorbidities have poorer HRQoL. Further longitudinal evaluation is required to identify psycho-social (including parental) predictors of outcome which may inform, or be amenable to, intervention.

Management of Tracheal Diseases in Children

Tracheal pathology in children are primarily congenital. They can be considered primary or de novo, when this is seen as an inherent defect within the cartilages of the tracheal segment. While segmental cartilage defects are very rare, there are often occasions when one or more cartilages can be considered missing from the length of trachea, contributing to airway abnormality. Secondary tracheal pathologies can often be seen in relation to disorders affecting nearby vascular elements or thoracic cage in general. In general, the pathological entity of tracheal disorders can be classified into either tracheomalacia or tracheal stenosis.

Congenital Bronchial Stenosis Presenting as Neonatal Respiratory Distress: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Neonatal respiratory distress has a broad differential that includes cardiac, pulmonary, anatomic, and infectious etiologies. Congenital stenotic lesions of the trachea and bronchus are rare and can occur anywhere along the tracheobronchial tree. Patients with tracheobronchial stenosis typically present in the neonatal period with respiratory distress.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a 10-day-old term female who presented to the emergency department (ED) with tachypnea and increased work of breathing. She was found to have congenital bronchial stenosis of her right mainstem bronchus. She was stabilized in the ED and remained in the neonatal intensive care unit until successful slide tracheoplasty was performed. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Congenital bronchial stenosis is a rare etiology of respiratory distress in a neonate. Anatomic lower airway abnormalities are an important cause of neonatal tachypnea and must remain on the differential. In addition to respiratory stabilization with noninvasive or invasive support, evaluation should be directed at determining the location and anatomic characteristics of the area of stenosis.

Surgical reconstruction for congenital tracheal malformation and pulmonary artery sling

Background

Congenital tracheal malformations are less common than congenital cardiac diseases and surgical repair of these anomalies is complex. We sought to examine the surgical treatment and outcomes in cases of tracheal anomalies presenting with or without associated congenital malformations.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical, and imaging data of 49 children who underwent surgery for congenital tracheal malformations between August 2013 and September 2017. Data were collected from the hospital records.

Results

In all, 49 patients (male, 30; female, 19) underwent surgeries at our center. The children were of ages between 3 and 36 months (average: 9.7 months). Associated congenital lesions included sling in31/49 (63%), vascularring: in 2/49; ventriculoseptaldefectin5/49; Fallot’s tetraology in 2/49 (4.1%), and imperforate anus in 3/49 (6.1%). The outcomes of surgery were excellent in 42(85.7%) cases, good in 3 cases, while mortality occurred in 4(8.1%) cases. All cases of tracheal stenosis without any change in tracheobronchial arborization, 10/12 cases of bridge carina, and all cases of tripod carina were reconstructed using the slide tracheoplasty technique. Antetracheal translocation was performed for correction of associated pulmonary sling, without reimplantation of the pulmonary artery.

Conclusions

Reconstructive surgery is a feasible treatment option for congenital tracheal malformations. Slide tracheoplasty can be safely applied in all cases for the correction of tracheal stenosis. Segment resection was not required for any portion of the trachea. Pulmonary artery translocation is safe and effective for patients with pulmonary artery sling, rather than reimplantation. Mortality was associated with severe cardiac complications.

Neonatal Stridor: Diagnosis and Management

Stridor, a common presenting sign of respiratory distress in a newborn, has many systemic causes. It may arise from the larynx or the tracheobronchial airway. This article presents the most common pathologic conditions in this anatomic region, with highlights on management.

Airway Anomalies

This article reviews congenital anomalies involving the larynx and trachea, including congenital subglottic stenosis, laryngeal webs, laryngeal cleft, and tracheal stenosis. Presenting signs and symptoms, prevailing surgical repair techniques, and postoperative care are discussed.

Swallowing outcomes in children after slide tracheoplasty

INTRODUCTION

Slide tracheoplasty is now considered gold standard treatment for long segment congenital tracheal stenosis. Outcomes are typically focused upon airway patency. Dysphagia is often reported in children undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, but not specifically after slide tracheoplasty. This study was carried out to describe the nature and prevalence of dysphagia following slide tracheoplasty for long segment congenital tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

Retrospective case note review was conducted on a series of patients who underwent swallow evaluation following slide tracheoplasty between 2006 and 2014. A clinical swallow assessment was carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist with videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing where indicated. Logistic regression assessed the impact of gender, feeding history, weight, tracheal diameter, stenting and co-morbidities on the likelihood of having post-operative dysphagia.

RESULTS

43 out of 83 slide tracheoplasty patients underwent swallow evaluation. Dysphagia was identified in 30 (70%) of 43 patients. Videofluoroscopy was undertaken in 22 of these patients. All patients who had a videofluoroscopy presented with altered swallow physiology. Aspiration risk was confirmed in 15 patients with frank aspiration seen in 9. Pre-operative history of dysphagia was present in 9 patients. There were two cases of vocal fold palsy. The presence of a stent was the strongest predictor of post-operative dysphagia with an odds ratio of 10.6 (95% CI 1.2-92.8).

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents a high prevalence of post-operative dysphagia in a pediatric population following slide tracheoplasty. In most cases there was no history suggestive of dysphagia pre-operatively. Swallowing needs to be assessed after slide tracheoplasty and longitudinal studies are required.

The comorbidities and risk factors in children with congenital airway anomalies: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan

The comorbidities and risk factors associated with congenital airway anomalies (CAAs) in children are undecided. This study aimed to investigate the comorbidities commonly associated with CAA and to explore the prognosis and risk factors in CAA children.This nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted between 2000 and 2011 with children aged 0 to 5 years assigned to either a CAA group (6341 patients) that diagnosed with CAA or an age- and gender-matched control group (25,159 patients) without CAA, using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Descriptive, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses were used for the investigation.Cleft lip/palate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.49-9.59), chromosome (aOR, 6.85; 95% CI, 5.03-9.34), and congenital neurologic (aOR, 5.52; 95% CI, 4.45-6.87) anomalies were the comorbidities most highly associated with CAA. Of the 31,500 eligible study patients, 636 (399 in the CAA group and 237 in the control group) died during the follow-up period (6.3% vs 0.9%, P < .001). The mortality risk after adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities elevated significantly among CAA patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.59; 95% CI, 3.85-5.48). The need for tracheostomy (aHR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.15-4.15), comorbidity with congenital heart disease (CHD) (aHR, 2.52; 95% CI, 2.05-3.10), and chromosome anomaly (aHR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.70-3.23) were the independent risk factors most greatly related to CAA mortality.This study demonstrated that CAA was most highly associated with the comorbidities as cleft lip/palate, chromosome, and congenital neurologic anomalies. The CAA children had a significantly elevated mortality risk; the need for tracheostomy, CHD, and chromosome anomaly were the most related risk factors of mortality for CAA. Further studies are warranted to clarify the involved mechanisms.

Bronchial Mismatch as a Predictor of Respiratory Failure After Congenital Tracheal Stenosis Repair

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of postoperative respiratory failure after surgical tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

Between February 2011 and April 2017, 16 infants underwent congenital tracheal stenosis repair. Preoperative computed tomography evaluation of the trachea and mainstem bronchi was performed. The primary outcome was midterm freedom from postoperative respiratory failure defined as persistent need for mechanical ventilation or surgical tracheobronchial reoperation. Bronchial mismatch, defined as [1 - (smaller bronchus diameter / larger bronchus diameter)] × 100, was analyzed in relation to the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Median age was 106 days (range, 1 to 406) and median weight was 5.3 kg (range, 2.6 to 8 kg). Four patients were neonates (25%) and 6 had genetic abnormalities (37.5%). There were no early nor late deaths. Median ventilation time was 5.5 days (range, 3 to 45). Mean follow-up time was 2.2 years (range, 0.1 to 4.5). Four patients with bronchial mismatch greater than 20% had postoperative respiratory failure (p = 0.002). Two of them underwent tracheostomy and were discharged with ventilation home care support. One underwent successful reoperation consisting of bilateral bronchial plasty with autologous cartilage rib grafts, and the other underwent successful right bronchial and tracheal reconstruction. One patient with bilateral bronchial hypoplasia underwent slide tracheoplasty associated with preemptive bilateral bronchial plasty and made a full recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of congenital tracheal stenosis in neonates and infants portends a good outcome. Bronchial mismatch greater than 20% can identify a subset of patients at increased risk for surgical reintervention and chronic respiratory failure. Slide tracheoplasty with preemptive bronchial reconstruction may prevent postoperative respiratory failure.

Slide tracheoplasty in 81 children: Improved outcomes with modified surgical technique and optimal surgical age

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of slide tracheoplasty.Eighty-one patients who underwent slide tracheoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Before and after operation, all patients were examined by computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy regularly.There were 8 deaths and the mortality was 9.9%. They all died of respiratory failure associated with the formation of granulation tissue in the airway postoperatively. The mortality was 15.8% from 2009 to 2012 and decreased to 8.1% from 2013 to 2016. The mortality of patients aged 10 to 24 months was 5.7%, which was significantly lower than those younger than 10 months and those older than 24 months. After surgery, 11 patients had granulation tissue growing at anastomosis edges and 8 of them died eventually. Twenty patients had mucosa varus at the site of anastomosis which mainly happened in the early time. Between different time periods and different age groups, there was significant difference in the incidence of granulation tissue and mucosa varus (P < .01). Clinical symptoms of tracheal stenosis disappeared and the results of CT were satisfactory after operation.Slide tracheoplasty is an effective surgical method for congenital tracheal stenosis associated with congenital heart disease. With the continuous improvement of surgical technique, the mortality has been reduced and the incidence of granulation tissue and mucosa varus also has been reduced. The period of 10 to 24 months of age is the optimal cure time.

Neonatal Tracheal and Intracardiac Repair in a High-Risk Premature Infant Requiring Preoperative ECMO Transport

Congenital tracheal stenosis is an uncommon malformation that portends a poor outcome in children who are symptomatic in the neonatal period. Over time, the management of significant tracheal disease has been consolidated at high-volume centers, and increasingly complex patients have undergone surgical repair. We present a premature newborn boy who was diagnosed with critical multi-level airway and cardiac disease who decompensated at a remote site, requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for transport. He underwent a complete repair including a slide tracheoplasty and was successfully discharged home, with no residual stenosis at follow-up.

A comparison of tracheal scaffold strategies for pediatric transplantation in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Despite surgical advances, childhood tracheal stenosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Various tracheal scaffold strategies have been developed as the basis for bioengineered substitutes, but there is no consensus on which may be superior in vivo. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in morbidity and mortality between three competing scaffold strategies in rabbits.

STUDY DESIGN

Pilot preclinical study.

METHODS

Tracheal scaffolds were prepared by three methods that have been applied clinically and reported: preserved cadaveric ("Herberhold") allografts, detergent-enzymatically decellularized allografts, and synthetic scaffolds (nanocomposite polymer [polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU)]). Scaffolds were implanted into cervical trachea of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 4 per group) without cell seeding. Control animals (n = 4) received autotransplanted tracheal segments using the same technique. Animals underwent bronchoscopic monitoring of the grafts for 30 days. Macroscopic evaluation of tissue integration, graft stenosis, and collapsibility and histological examinations were performed on explants at termination.

RESULTS

All surgical controls survived to termination without airway compromise. Mild to moderate anastomotic stenosis from granulation tissue was detected, but there was evidence suggestive of vascular reconnection with minimal fibrous encapsulation. In contrast, three of the four animals in the Herberhold and POSS-PCU groups, and all animals receiving decellularized allografts, required early termination due to respiratory distress. Herberhold grafts showed intense inflammatory reactions, anastomotic stenoses, and mucus plugging. Synthetic graft integration and vascularization were poor, whereas decellularized grafts demonstrated malacia and collapse but had features suggestive of vascular connection or revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

There are mirror-image benefits and drawbacks to nonrecellularized, decellularized, and synthetic grafts, such that none emerged as the preferred option. Results from prevascularized and/or cell-seeded grafts (as applied clinically) may elucidate clearer advantages of one scaffold type over another.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E449-E457, 2017.

Pediatric airway surgery

Pediatric airway surgery is a challenging field in pediatric surgery. Laryngotracheal stenosis has a variety of congenital and acquired conditions that require precise assessment and tailored treatment for each individual patient. About 90% of acquired conditions are represented by subglottic stenosis (SGS) resulting as a complication of tracheal intubation. Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a rare and life-threatening malformation, usually associated with complete tracheal rings along a variable length of the trachea. Tracheomalacia (TM) is a process characterized by flaccidity of the supporting tracheal cartilage, widening of the posterior membranous wall, and reduced anterior-posterior airway caliber. The clinical presentation can vary from almost asymptomatic patients to near fatal airway obstruction. There is considerable variation in both the morphologic subtypes and the prognosis of pediatric airway. The patients are divided into three clinical groups (mild, moderate, and severe). A further division was proposed according to the presence or absence of associated anomalies. The definitive diagnosis of pediatric airway was made by means of rigid bronchoscope and computed tomography scan with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D-CT). Rigid bronchoscopy and 3D-CT confirmed the diagnosis in all the cases. Other associated anomalies include congenital heart disease, vascular anomalies, and BPFM (maldevelopment of aerodigestive tract). After definitive diagnosis of pediatric airway lesions, surgical intervention should be considered. Surgical strategy was presented on each lesion.

Airway Problems in Neonates-A Review of the Current Investigation and Management Strategies

Airway problems in the neonatal population are often life threatening and raise challenging issues in diagnosis and management. The airway problems can result from congenital or acquired lesions and can be broadly classified into those causing obstruction or those due to an abnormal "communication" in the airway. Many different investigations are now available to identify the diagnosis and quantify the severity of the problem, and these tests can be simple or invasive. Bronchography and bronchoscopy are essential to determine the extent and severity of the airway problem and to plan treatment strategy. Further imaging techniques help to delineate other commonly associated abnormalities. Echocardiography is also important to confirm any associated cardiac abnormality. In this review, the merits and disadvantages of the various investigations now available to the clinician will be discussed. The current therapeutic strategies are discussed, and the review will focus on the most challenging conditions that cause the biggest management conundrums, specifically laryngotracheal cleft, congenital tracheal stenosis, and tracheobronchomalacia. Management of acquired stenosis secondary to airway injury from endotracheal intubation will also be discussed as this is a common problem. Slide tracheoplasty is the preferred surgical option for long-segment tracheal stenosis, and results have improved significantly. Stents are occasionally required for residual or recurrent stenosis following surgical repair. There is sufficient evidence that a multidisciplinary team approach for managing complex airway issues provides the best results for the patient. There is ongoing progress in the field with newer diagnostic tools as well as development of innovative management techniques, such as biodegradable stents and stem cell-based tracheal transplants, leading to a much better prognosis for these children in the future.

Surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis.

METHODS

The medical records of 13 pediatric patients with CTS associated with a tracheal bronchus at a single institution between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Type 1: tracheal stenosis above the right upper lobe bronchus (RULB) (n = 1). One patient underwent slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Type 2: tracheal stenosis below the RULB (n = 7). Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis was performed before 2014, and one patient failed to extubate. Posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty was performed since 2014, and all three patients were successfully extubated. Type 3: tracheal stenosis above the RULB to the carina (n = 5). One patient underwent posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Two patients with left-right slide tracheoplasty and another two patients with tracheal end-to-end anastomosis for the stenosis below the RULB could not be extubated.

CONCLUSION

Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis or slide tracheoplasty can be selected for tracheal stenosis above the RULB according to the length of stenosis. Posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty appears feasible for tracheal stenosis below the RULB or above the RULB to the carina.

Congenital tracheobronchial stenosis

Congenital tracheobronchial stenosis is a rare disease characterized by complete tracheal rings that can affect variable lengths of the tracheobronchial tree. It causes high levels of morbidity and mortality both due to the stenosis itself and to the high incidence of other associated congenital malformations. Successful management of this complex condition requires a highly individualized approach delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team, which is best delivered within centralized units with the necessary diverse expertise. In such settings, surgical correction by slide tracheoplasty has become increasingly successful over the past 2 decades such that long-term survival now exceeds 88%, with normalization of quality of life scores for patients with non-syndrome-associated congenital tracheal stenosis. Careful assessment and planning of treatment strategies is of paramount importance for both successful management and the provision of patients and carers with accurate and realistic treatment counseling.

Tracheobronchial stents in children

Tracheobronchial obstruction is infrequent in children and still remains a challenging matter of concern. Management alternatives vary from conservative treatment to complex surgical techniques or endoscopic interventional procedures. Airway stenting in children is relatively recent and follows the trail of the experience in adult patients. Nevertheless, there are basic differences between both age groups like the benign nature of most obstructions and the small size of the pediatric airway. These specific features raise the issues of the precise role of tracheobronchial stenting in children and the selection of the most adequate device. Stents fall into four main categories according to the material they are made of: metallic, plastic, hybrid, and biodegradable. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks so the ideal stent is not yet available. Despite increasing experience with stenting, definite clinical criteria for their use in children are yet to be established. Even so, there seems to be a basic general agreement that stents may play a role in particular clinical settings in which there are no other therapeutic options.

Emergency management for congenital tracheal stenosis with endoluminal stenting in pediatric intensive care units

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to share our experience in the management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) using self-expanding intraluminal stents in infants.

METHODS

From January 2010 to August 2012, 31 infants with CTS treated using stents by bronchoscope in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) were recruited for this study.

RESULTS

Among the 31 patients, 17 were male and 14 were female with their ages ranging from 55 days to 22 months. CTS was associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in 22 patients. There were no immediate stent-related airway complications. A significant and immediate improvement of respiratory obstruction following stent placement in all 31 patients led to successful weaning from the breathing machine and extubation. Granulation tissue formation as a complication was observed in three (9.7%) patients, but all were successfully managed using cryotherapy. During follow up (up to 24 months), stents in 29 infants remained functional. In seven cases, stents were retrieved under bronchoscope (the same day to 10 months), and three cases required stent replacement (each of the three cases had the stent replaced three times). Nine infants died after stenting due to other causes and two infants abandoned treatment.

CONCLUSION

Airway stenting may provide an important therapeutic option in infants with CTS.

Evolution of Surgical Approaches in the Management of Congenital Tracheal Stenosis

Background:

Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a serious and rare condition that often presents a complex surgical challenge. We reviewed the evolution of surgical approaches to the management of CTS at a single institution.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective clinical review of all patients who underwent surgical repair of CTS at our institution. From January 1992 to January 2014, a total of 30 patients (median age 92 days; range 3 days-1.7 years) underwent surgery for CTS at our institution. Techniques included slide tracheoplasty (n = 16), tracheal resection (n = 10), pericardial patch tracheoplasty (n = 3), and costal cartilage tracheoplasty (n = 1). Twenty-two (73%) patients had associated intracardiac or great vessel anomalies, including 18 (60%) with left pulmonary artery sling. Five (17%) patients had associated single lung malformation. All procedures were performed via a median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results:

Median postoperative length of stay was 25 days (range, 5-431 days). Late airway reintervention was required in seven (26%), including two (15%) infants after slide tracheoplasty, two (22%) posttracheal resection, and two (100%) post pericardial patch tracheoplasty. The one patient who underwent costal cartilage tracheoplasty required multiple reinterventions. Overall mortality was 13% (n = 4), two deaths occurred post slide tracheoplasty, one death occurred after tracheal resection, and one after pericardial patch tracheoplasty, respectively.

Conclusion:

Slide tracheoplasty is the procedure of choice for repair of CTS, while tracheal resection is a viable option for patients with discreet, short-segment stenosis.

Congenital vascular rings: a clinical challenge for the pediatrician

Vascular rings are congenital anomalies that lead to variable degrees of respiratory problems or feeding difficulties by forming a complete or partial ring compressing the trachea, the bronchi, and the esophagus. The clinical diagnosis of vascular rings is often challenging for the pediatrician because the clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and nonspecific. Symptoms can vary from wheezing, stridor, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia to life-threatening conditions; however, they may not be present. The aim of this study is to review the recent literature on this subject and describe new developments in diagnostics and imaging.

Cardiovascular Causes of Pediatric Airway Compression: A Pictorial Review

Airways compression by vascular structures is one of the important comorbidities of congenital heart disease with incidence of approximately 1%-2% in children. Airways compression is a consequence of abnormal configuration of the great vessels producing a vascular ring with enlargement of normal structures (pulmonary arteries or cardiac chambers) or because of surgery. A high index of suspicion for vascular airway compression is important in children with recurrent respiratory complaints. Early diagnosis and management are essential, as chronic airway compression causes significant morbidity. As the underlying anatomical patterns tend to be highly complex, presurgical imaging assessment is essential.

Resection of the stenotic segment with individually tailored anastomosis for symptomatic congenital tracheal stenosis in infants

OBJECTIVES

To analyse retrospectively population-based results of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) repair in infants in Finland.

METHODS

Data on infants who were operated on for CTS in Helsinki Children's Hospital between August 1988 and May 2013 were analysed retrospectively. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed perioperatively and in follow-up of all the surviving patients. The median follow-up time was 7 (range 1-20) years.

RESULTS

Thirteen infants were operated on for CTS. Resection of the stenotic segment with individually tailored anastomosis was used in 12 patients and slide tracheoplasty in 1 patient. The median age at the operation was 2.9 (range 0.2-19) months. Eight (62%) patients had associated cardiovascular defects, which were corrected during the same operation. The median length of stenosis was 35% (range 25-60%) of the total length of the trachea. The median length of time of postoperative mechanical ventilation was 10 (range 5-19) days. The median length of time of intensive care treatment was 15 (range 7-40) days. One patient died from hypoplastic lung tissue and fibrosis, and multiorgan failure. One patient required reoperation, and 3 other patients received balloon bronchodilatations postoperatively. There was no late mortality. All of the 12 survivors had a good outcome.

CONCLUSION

Resection with individually tailored anastomosis with up to 55% of the stenotic segment of the trachea presented a good long-term outcome.

Long-term follow-up of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term results of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage for relieving severe long-segment tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively by clinical chart review. Between 1995 and 2013, 21 patients underwent tracheoplasty. Follow-up was performed by outpatient chart review; otherwise, referring physicians and parents were contacted and asked to fill in a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median age at the time of operation was 0.9 (range 0.5-44) years. Aetiology of tracheal stenosis was double aortic arch in 9 patients, right arch with a left ductus in 3, innominate artery compression in 1 patient, complete tracheal rings in 7, 3 of whom with pulmonary artery sling and 2 with agenesis of one lung, and other causes in 1 patient. Previous surgery was performed in 6 (29%) patients. Patch tracheoplasty was performed using autologous pericardial patch and external stenting using costal cartilage. Major complications were mediastinitis and patch dehiscence in 2 patients, 2 patients needed tracheal cannula and 1 patient had stent implantation. Three (14%) patients died in the late postoperative period: 1 patient died of sepsis, 1 had patch dehiscence and 1 erosion of tracheal stent and consequently intractable bleeding. Follow-up was 6.1±2.7 years (0.75-10 years). At follow-up, 2 (11%) patients were still symptomatic, 4 (22%) had occasionally mild symptoms and 12 (67%) were free of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment for severe tracheal stenosis remains challenging. With tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage, long and narrow tracheal stenosis can be repaired. There are no limitations as to the length and location and severity of the stenosis. Tracheoplasty is associated with a high complication rate. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to ensure favourable long-term outcomes.

Novel use of Coblation technology in an unusual congenital tracheal stenosis

BACKGROUND

We report the case of an unusual late presentation of congenital tracheal stenosis in a 13-year-old boy. He was treated with minimally invasive Coblation resection of the stenotic segment, avoiding a major open tracheal resection and reconstruction. This case report is the first to document the use of an ultra-fine Coblation wand in the treatment of congenital tracheal stenosis.

RESULTS

The case proceeded well, without any complications. The patient had a fully healed and patent trachea at 12-week post-operative review.

CONCLUSION

Complex cases of congenital stenosis should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach. Different and novel treatment options should be explored to find one that suits the individual patient. Minimally invasive Coblation technology can offer less invasive treatment with quicker recovery and shorter hospitalisation.

Stem-cell-based, tissue engineered tracheal replacement in a child: a 2-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Stem-cell-based, tissue engineered transplants might offer new therapeutic options for patients, including children, with failing organs. The reported replacement of an adult airway using stem cells on a biological scaffold with good results at 6 months supports this view. We describe the case of a child who received a stem-cell-based tracheal replacement and report findings after 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

A 12-year-old boy was born with long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis and pulmonary sling. His airway had been maintained by metal stents, but, after failure, a cadaveric donor tracheal scaffold was decellularised. After a short course of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were retrieved preoperatively and seeded onto the scaffold, with patches of autologous epithelium. Topical human recombinant erythropoietin was applied to encourage angiogenesis, and transforming growth factor β to support chondrogenesis. Intravenous human recombinant erythropoietin was continued postoperatively. Outcomes were survival, morbidity, endoscopic appearance, cytology and proteomics of brushings, and peripheral blood counts.

FINDINGS

The graft revascularised within 1 week after surgery. A strong neutrophil response was noted locally for the first 8 weeks after surgery, which generated luminal DNA neutrophil extracellular traps. Cytological evidence of restoration of the epithelium was not evident until 1 year. The graft did not have biomechanical strength focally until 18 months, but the patient has not needed any medical intervention since then. 18 months after surgery, he had a normal chest CT scan and ventilation-perfusion scan and had grown 11 cm in height since the operation. At 2 years follow-up, he had a functional airway and had returned to school.

INTERPRETATION

Follow-up of the first paediatric, stem-cell-based, tissue-engineered transplant shows potential for this technology but also highlights the need for further research.

FUNDING

Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, The Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Region of Tuscany.

Surgical management of pulmonary artery sling: trachea diameter and outcomes with or without tracheoplasty

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary artery sling is frequently associated with tracheal and/or bronchial stenosis. A number of patients receive only re-implantation or relocation of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) while other patients may require tracheoplasty for stenosis of the airway. This study used computer tomography (CT) scans for the evaluation of airways and to evaluate the trachea diameter and the clinical outcomes with or without tracheoplasty.

METHODS

A total of 15 patients with PA sling who received CT scans were included in this study. We reviewed the clinical outcomes and the severity of trachea stenosis, and evaluated various surgical strategies.

RESULTS

Among the 15 patients, one received only conservative treatment, 14 (93%) patients received LPA re-implantation, and eight (53%) received tracheoplasty. For the eight patients that received LPA reimplantation and tracheoplasty, five received slide tracheoplasty and all survived, two patients had pericardial patch augmentation and both died, and one patient received a resection and end-to-end anastomosis and survived. The diameter of the trachea in survivors without tracheoplasty was significantly larger than those who died or received tracheoplasty (3.2 ± 0.3 mm vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.003). Establishing 3.0 mm as the threshold, the positive predictive value for tracheoplasty or mortality was 89% and the negative predictive value was 83%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study cohort, approximately 60% of the patients with PA sling received tracheoplasty. A diameter of the trachea <3 mm is associated with the use of tracheoplasty or poor outcomes. Slide tracheoplasty provided acceptable good results.

Modified slide tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis

Slide tracheoplasty has become a standard procedure to treat long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis because it is a reasonable and simple technique. Slide tracheoplasty does not affect the carina during long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis management, and thus lesions of the carina, such as stenosis and tracheobronchomalacia can become important causes of extubation failure after surgery. In this manusript, we describe the effectiveness of our modified slide tracheoplasty, which includes reconstruction of the carina. We have performed this technique on three patients, all of whom were extubated without developing any respiratory symptoms.

Surgical treatment of congenital tracheal stenoses

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the outcomes of patients undergoing repair of congenital tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of congenital tracheal stenosis patients treated between 2001 and 2007 at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo, Brazil.

RESULTS

Six boys and one girl (age at diagnosis ranging from 28 days to 3 years) were included. Five of the patients also had cardiac or major vessel malformations. The stenosis length was short in three patients, medium in one and long in three. The techniques used were pericardial patch tracheoplasty in three patients, resection and anastomosis in two, slide tracheoplasty in one and vascular ring correction in one. One patient died during surgery due to hypoxia and hemodynamic instability, and one died from septic shock on postoperative day 11. Other complications included pneumonia, arrhythmia, stenosis at the anastomosis level, residual stenosis, granuloma formation and malacia. The mean follow-up period was 31 months; four patients were cured, and one required the use of a T tube to maintain airway patency.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital tracheal stenosis is a curable disease. However, its repair is complex and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Long segment congenital tracheal stenosis in twins successfully treated by slide tracheoplasty

Long segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS), associated with complete tracheal rings, is a rare condition, difficult to manage and historically associated with high mortality rate. We report two pairs of identical twins all affected by LSCTS successfully treated by sliding tracheoplasty. All had severe respiratory distress. Three infants had left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling and one intra-cardiac malformation. Slide tracheoplasty was done under cardiopulmonary bypass, and cardiovascular malformations were corrected at the same time. One child needed plication of paralyzed right hemi-diaphragm and another distal tracheal Palmaz stent insertion due severe tracheobronchomalacia. All children are doing well during 6 months follow-up. Slide tracheoplasty seems to produce the same good early results in twins as for singletons with LSCTS.

Model of extensive and severe tracheal stenosis in dogs

PURPOSE: To create an animal model of extensive longitudinal tracheal stenosis (TS) that can be useful to test different surgical techniques of tracheal reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty male mongrel dogs were submitted to standard TS and randomly distributed to observation for 3 weeks (n=10) or 6 weeks (n=10). Under general anesthesia, an elliptical area (major axis from 1st to 20th ring and minor axis 40% of tracheal diameter) was resected and the stumps were sutured. The internal and external diameters were measured (before and after the observation time) and the stenosis index was calculated. Blood samples were collected (gasometry, hematocrit and hemoglobin.) before and after the surgical proceedings. RESULTS: The weight was significant lower in the animals of 6 weeks (15,551±3286.2) in comparison with those of 3 weeks observation (17,250±3575.0). No significant differences were noted in the extension of the trachea on the 21st day (21.2± 1.8) or 42nd day (21.1±1.7). The mean (40.1) and the median (40.5) of rings counted on the 21st day were quite similar to mean (38.1) and median (39.0) that were counted on the 42nd day. In the animals of group A (3 weeks) the mean (46.8%) and the median (49.8%) of index stenosis showed no significant difference (Mann Whitney test p<0.001) in comparison with the mean (55.1%) and median (52.4%) of the animals from group B (6 weeks). No mechanical or biochemical distresses were recorded through all period of observation. CONCLUSION: The surgical proceeding was effective to promote a model of longitudinal and extensive tracheal stenosis.