Does successful segmental tracheal resection require releasing maneuvers?
OBJECTIVE
Tracheal resection is a well-established option for the management of airway stenosis. Releasing maneuvers have been described to reduce anastomotic tension. The aim of this study is to report on a series of tracheal resections performed without the use of these maneuvers.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary hospital.


METHODS
All patients undergoing tracheal resection by the first author over a 6-year period were reviewed.


RESULTS
Patients (n = 17; 7 men and 10 women, ages 23-76) were managed with tracheal resection and anastomosis without stenting or postoperative tracheotomy. 16/17 (94%) patients had successful treatment of their stenosis. 1/17 (6%) failed and 1/17 (6%) required dilation. There was no postoperative swallowing dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Segmental tracheal resection without releasing maneuvers was successful in 16/17 (94%) patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Though extrapolation from this series may be limited, future practitioners may consider forgoing additional releasing maneuvers for tracheal resection in many cases.
Merati
Albert L
AL
Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, 53226, USA. amerati@mcw.edu
Rieder
Anthony A
AA
Patel
Nalin
N
Park
Debra L
DL
Girod
Doug
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome