Name of the Procedure:

Bronchoplasty; graft repair
Commonly known as: Bronchial reconstruction, Airway graft repair

Summary

Bronchoplasty with graft repair is a surgical procedure to reconstruct and repair the bronchial tubes using grafts. This technique is often applied to correct airway anomalies, remove tumors, or address traumatic injuries to the bronchial tubes.

Purpose

The procedure aims to:

• Restore normal airway function by removing obstructions or repairing damage.
• Prevent airway collapse and improve breathing.
• Enhance quality of life by reducing symptoms like shortness of breath.

Indications

• Patients with tumors obstructing the bronchial tubes.
• Traumatic injury to the bronchus.
• Congenital or acquired airway anomalies.
• Bronchial stenosis or strictures.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 8 hours before surgery.
• Adjustments to medications, including blood thinners.
• Diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or bronchoscopy to assess the extent of the issue.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. Incision: A thoracic surgeon makes an incision in the chest, accessing the bronchial tubes.
3. Resection and Graft Placement: Diseased or damaged sections of the bronchus are resected, and a graft (often from the patient's own tissue) is placed to reconstruct the airway.
4. Closure: The graft is sutured in place, ensuring a secure and airtight repair. The incision is then closed with sutures or staples.
5. Post-operative Care: The patient is monitored in the recovery room or ICU.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours.

Setting

Bronchoplasty with graft repair is performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Thoracic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Respiratory therapists (post-op care)

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Infection, bleeding, and anesthetic complications.
• Rare risks: Graft rejection, airway obstruction, bronchopleural fistula.
• Complication management: Antibiotics for infections, interventions for bleeding, or additional surgeries if complications arise.

Benefits

• Improved breathing and airway function.
• Reduction or elimination of symptoms.
• Enhanced quality of life, typically noticeable within a few weeks post-surgery.

Recovery

• Hospital stay of 5 to 7 days.
• Instructions: Avoid strenuous activities, follow a prescribed medication regimen, and attend follow-up appointments.
• Full recovery: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks, with gradual resumption of normal activities.

Alternatives

• Stent placement: Less invasive, but may not be a permanent solution.
• Radiation or chemotherapy (if applicable): Non-surgical option for tumors, with differing effectiveness.
• Bronchoscopic treatments: Minimally invasive but limited to specific conditions.

Patient Experience

• Preoperative anxiety is managed with sedatives and thorough explanations.
• Postoperative discomfort managed with pain medications.
• Experience: Some soreness at the incision site, fatigue during initial recovery, improvement in breathing over time.