Use of the silicone tracheal T-tube for the management of complex tracheal injuries.
This paper reports on the use of the silicone Montgomery T-tube for the management of 18 patients with complex tracheal injuries. Our use of the tube was as follows: prior to definitive resection, as a better alternative to tracheostomy tube, while we were awaiting the most appropriate time for resection; at the time of resection, as an adjunct to segmental subglottic resection, used to stent residual abnormal laryngeal mucosa: following tracheal resection for uncertain or unsatisfactory healing: as sole treatment, when resection was deemed unsuitable or inappropriate. When stenting the high region, the upper limb of the T-tube can be brought through the vocal cords with preservation of a functional voice and without injury to the vocal cords even with prolonged use. In contrast to a tracheostomy tube, the T-tube provides respiration through the the nasopharynx, so that humidification and phonation are maintained. It is generally trouble free, requires little if any maintenance, and can remain in place for a year or more when necessary.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000295:instrumentation
D012826:Silicone Elastomers