Complications after tracheal and cricotracheal resection and anastomosis for inflammatory and neoplastic stenoses.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate complications and success rates of tracheal resection and anastomosis (TRA) and cricotracheal resection and anastomosis (CTRA) in patients treated in 2 academic institutions.

METHODS

Retrospective charts review of 137 patients submitted to TRA/CTRA. Fifty (36.5%) had neoplastic (group A) and 87 (63.5%) benign (group B) stenoses. Using univariate analysis, age, medical comorbidities, previous radiotherapy, type of TRA/CTRA, association with neck dissection and thyroidectomy, length of resected airway, and preoperative tracheotomy were evaluated to identify factors predictive of complications and outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean length of resected airway was 2.7 and 3 cm in groups A and B, respectively. Overall decannulation and complication rates for group A were 96% and 36%, and 99% and 46% for group B, respectively. Length of airway resected and presence of preoperative tracheotomy had a statistically significant effect on major surgical complications. Age older than 70 and cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities were significantly associated with the incidence of major medical complications. No statistically significant difference was found considering the complication rates of group A versus group B.

CONCLUSION

Even though the overall success rate of TRA/CTRA is high, it should always be regarded as a major surgical procedure with a non-negligible incidence of complications.