[An experience of suprahyoid release for resection and reconstruction of the lower part of trachea].

An experience of suprahyoid release for resection and reconstruction of the lower part of trachea was reported. 51-year-old woman, complaining of continuous stridor, was diagnosed as tracheal tumor at another hospital and was transferred to our hospital for consecutive examination and surgical treatment. The size of the tumor was about 3 cm in longitudinal diameter and the distance between tracheal carina and lower edge of the tumor was estimated about 2 cm by tomography. At operation, following suprahyoid release in supine position, 6 tracheal rings were resected and reconstructed by end-to-end anastomosis through right posterolateral incision. Patients neck was forced to bend for three weeks and intravenous byperalimentation without oral intake was employed for two weeks to avoid misswallowing and dysphagia postoperatively. Oral intake was started at two weeks after operation and parenteral nutrition was no more necessary at 3 weeks after surgery. Misswallowing and dysphagia were not encountered at all. The tumor was diagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma pathologically and residual tumor was demonstrated in submucosal space at the oral margin of the resected specimen as well. She discharged from the hospital uneventfully after postoperative radiotherapy. The recurrence of the tumor has not been observed for 3 years postoperatively. It was confirmed that suprahyoid release is an useful technique and should be ready to introduce in the extensive resection of the trachea because of its little influence on laryngeal function.