Complications of tracheal reconstruction. Incidence, treatment, and prevention

• Published in: The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery Vol. 91; no. 3; pp. 322 - 328
• Main Authors: Grillo, HC, Zannini, P, Michelassi, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA AATS/WTSA 01.03.1986; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Granulation Tissue - surgery; Hemorrhage - etiology; Hemorrhage - surgery; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects; Medical sciences; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Reoperation; Stomatitis - etiology; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the respiratory system; Suture Techniques - adverse effects; Trachea - injuries; Trachea - surgery; Tracheal Neoplasms - complications; Tracheal Neoplasms - surgery; Tracheal Stenosis - etiology; Tracheal Stenosis - surgery; Tracheoesophageal Fistula - etiology; Tracheoesophageal Fistula - surgery; Vocal Cord Paralysis - etiology; Wound Infection - etiology; Wound Infection - surgery; Human; Reoperation; Respiratory disease; Plasty; Prevention; Restenosis; Surgery; Complication; Frequency; ENT disease; Tumor; Intubation; Trachea
• ISSN: 0022-5223; 1097-685X
• DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5223(19)36046-5

Between 1962 and 1982, 416 primary tracheal reconstructions and 21 staged reconstructions were performed. Since then 80 additional tracheal reconstructions have been accomplished (to April of 1985). The first 20 years of our experience (1962 to 1982) have been scrutinized to identify complications and describe their management in patients operated on for tumors or postintubation lesions only. Because the series includes all cases, commencing in 1962 when tracheal surgery was not well developed, many complications reflect a learning experience. The first and second halves of the series have therefore been compared. Measures to prevent complications are discussed.