[Treatment of suprastomal tracheomalacia by anterior cricoid suspension].
BACKGROUND
One of the reasons of failure to decannulate patients after airway surgery or long-term tracheostomy is suprastomal tracheomalacia.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the results obtained in the treatment of suprastomal tracheomalacia by anterior cricoid suspension.


METHODS
We present 8 patients with suprastomal tracheomalacia associated to long-term tracheostomy corrected by this technique. Prior to surgery, other causes of airway obstruction, as well as the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease should be ruled out. Results 5 females and 3 males wer treated by this technique. Mean age at surgery was 4,1 +/-0,97 years (range, 1,5-8,8 years). anteroposterior suprastomal collapse occluding 75% of the trachea was observed in 5 cases, and 75-90% in other three. All the patients were extubated successfully, although in one case stridor recurred because of residual suprastomal malacia that required a new surgical procedure. After a follow-up of 38,7+/-7,39 months (range, 1 month-4,6 years), the patients are decannulated and going well. Conclusions It is an safe surgical technique, easily reproducible and with low costs.
Matute
J A
JA
Unidad de Cirugía Cardiotorácica, Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid.
Berchi
F J
FJ
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D014139:Tracheostomy