Name of the Procedure:

Excision Tracheal Stenosis and Anastomosis; Cervical

Summary

Excision tracheal stenosis and anastomosis in the cervical region is a surgical procedure to remove a narrowed segment of the trachea (windpipe) and reconnect the healthy ends. This helps restore normal airflow to the lungs.

Purpose

This procedure addresses tracheal stenosis, a condition where the trachea becomes abnormally narrowed, causing difficulty in breathing. The goal is to remove the narrowed section and reattach the healthy tracheal ends to allow for normal breathing.

Indications

• Persistent shortness of breath
• Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound)
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Previous failed treatments for tracheal stenosis
• Poor quality of life due to breathing difficulties

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before surgery.
• Adjustments to medications (e.g., blood thinners) might be necessary.
• Preoperative tests may include CT scans of the neck and chest, bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function tests.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the neck to expose the trachea.
3. The narrowed section of the trachea is carefully removed.
4. The two healthy ends of the trachea are reconnected using sutures.
5. The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
   • Specific tools used: scalpel, surgical scissors, sutures.
   • The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Surgeons specializing in thoracic surgery
• Anesthesiologists
• Nurses and surgical technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anesthesia-related complications
• Risk of recurrent stenosis or narrowing
• Damage to nearby structures such as the esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerves

Benefits

Patients can expect improved breathing and relief from symptoms shortly after recovery. This significantly enhances the quality of life and reduces the need for additional procedures or treatments.

Recovery

• Postoperative care involves monitoring in the ICU.
• Pain management and antibiotics may be administered.
• Patients may need to avoid strenuous activities and follow specific instructions for wound care.
• Full recovery typically takes several weeks, with follow-up appointments to monitor healing and functionality.

Alternatives

• Balloon dilation or stenting of the trachea: less invasive but often temporary solutions.
• Laser therapy: may reduce stenosis but does not always prevent recurrence.
• Tracheostomy: provides an alternative airway but can impact quality of life.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients will be under general anesthesia and will not feel pain. Postoperatively, there may be discomfort at the surgical site, managed with medication. Patients may experience voice changes or discomfort swallowing, which usually resolves with time and healing.