Median Sternotomy Approach for Tracheal Resection and End-to-End Anastomosis in Tracheal Stenosis

Abstract

Ten cases operated in our clinic between 1995 and 2001 were investigated retrospectively. All of them had only tracheal stenosis but not laryngeal stenosis. The cause of the stenosis were found to be prolonged intubation in intensive care units for all of the patients. The resection of the tracheal stenotic segment and end-to-end anastomosis were performed to the patients. Two of the cases developed stenosis again and they underwent a second end-to-end anastomosis with the superior mobilization of the trachea by a median sternotomy approach. We think that the procedure is a useful method with an acceptable morbidity if it is performed by experienced surgeons.

Keywords

• tracheal stenosis
• end-to-end anastomosis
• median sternotomy.