Aortopexy as treatment for tracheo-bronchomalacia in children: an 18-year single-center experience.
OBJECTIVE
To define the factors influencing the outcome of aortopexy as management of tracheo-bronchomalacia.


METHODS
A retrospective, single-center, observational, cohort study.


METHODS
Surgical services in a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
One hundred five children who underwent an aortopexy for tracheo-bronchomalacia between 1990 and 2008.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Comorbidity (categorized into three groups), surgical approach, and location of malacia were reviewed and analyzed in relation to mortality, need for a second intervention, complications, time to extubation after surgery, intensive care unit stay, and clinical improvement. Median age at surgery was 24 wks (1 wk-541 wks). Two surgical approaches were used: median sternotomy (n = 46) and left anterior parasternal (n = 59). Long-term (>2 yrs) follow-up was available for 73 patients (median = 7.0 yrs [2-18 yrs]); 73% were asymptomatic, 18% had minor symptoms, and 9% needed either ventilation or tracheostomy. The overall mortality rate was 9%, of which one-third was airway-related. Multivariable analysis revealed that major comorbidities were a significant risk factor both for mortality and the need for further procedures (re-do surgery, tracheostomy, internal stents) in contrast to surgical approach and involvement of the bronchus. Intensive care unit stay and days of ventilation after surgery were also significantly higher in patients with major comorbidities.


CONCLUSIONS
Aortopexy proved to be an effective treatment for most cases of tracheo-bronchomalacia, but major comorbidity was associated with an adverse outcome. Our data suggest that aortopexy should be considered in most cases of severe tracheo-bronchomalacia.
Tracheal Service and Cardiorespiratory Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK. ecalkoen@gmail.com
Emmeline E
EE
Calkoen
Hany O S
HO
Gabra
Derek J
DJ
Roebuck
Edward
E
Kiely
Martin J
MJ
Elliott
D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055089:Tracheobronchomalacia / Q000601:surgery*