Laryngotracheal resection and reconstruction for subglottic tracheal stenosis--our experience of 32 cases

Lessons learned from open laryngotracheal airway resection and primary anastomosis in high risk patients

Objective

Laryngotracheal stenosis is one of the most difficult conditions treated by the Otolaryngologist. Open resection of stenosis with primary airway anastomosis is the definitive treatment for this condition. However, some patients are considered high risk candidates for open airway surgery and management and outcomes in this group have not been reported. The purpose of this investigation is to identify a series of high risk patients who underwent open laryngotracheal surgery and detail the lessons learned in regards to their post-operative course and outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all patients that underwent airway resection and primary anastomosis over a fifteen-year period was performed. High-risk patients, those with medical comorbidities that impair wound healing, were identified. Post-operative course, management of complications, and ultimate airway outcomes were noted.

Results

Seven patients fitting the high-risk category were identified. Comorbidities were poorly controlled insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (N = 4), poorly controlled hypertension (N = 4), end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis (N = 3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (N = 1), and history of radiation therapy (N = 1). Each patient suffered postoperative complications of varying degrees including postoperative infection (N = 1), formation of granulation tissue at the anastomotic site (N = 3), and postoperative hematoma (N = 1). Management included treatment of infection and complications. Anastomotic dehiscence was managed with tracheostomy and T-tubes.

Conclusions

High-risk medical comorbidities may not be absolute contraindications for open laryngotracheal resection of airway stenosis. However, this experience emphasizes the importance of preoperative medical optimization and comprehensive postoperative care.

End-to-end anastomosis in the management of laryngotracheal defects

OBJECTIVE

To present clinical experience and surgical outcomes of end-to-end anastomosis in the management of laryngotracheal stenosis and tracheal defects following invasive thyroid malignancy resection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 14 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis and tracheal invasive thyroid malignancy. All patients underwent tracheal or cricotracheal resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis.

RESULTS

Length of stenosis was 1.7-4 cm. Stenosis was classified as Myer and Cotton grade II in 4 patients, grade III in 6 and grade IV in 2. Surgical procedures included tracheotracheal end-to-end anastomosis (n = 4), cricotracheal anastomosis (n = 2) and thyrotracheal anastomosis (n = 6). Patients with invasive thyroid malignancy underwent segmental resection of the involved segment with tumour-free margins, and tracheal or cricotracheal end-to-end anastomosis. Successful decannulation was achieved in 13 patients (93 per cent). Post-operative complications were: wound infection (n = 1), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1), temporary unilateral vocal fold palsy (n = 1), granulation tissue development (n = 1), and restenosis (n = 2).

CONCLUSION

End-to-end anastomosis can be used safely and successfully in the management of advanced laryngotracheal stenosis and wide laryngotracheal defects. Greater success can be achieved using previously described surgical rules and laryngotracheal release manoeuvres.