Resection and Reconstruction of the Trachea for the Treatment of Upper Tracheal Stenosis: Tracheal Versus Non-Tracheal Intubation.

Tracheal stenosis may occur secondary to trauma, tumors, infections, and inflammatory and iatrogenic diseases. Patients with tracheal stenosis must be evaluated carefully and require comprehensive preoperative examination, including pulmonary function tests and radiographic studies. Two male patients (one 18 years of age and the other 46 years of age) with tracheal stenosis were scheduled for tracheal resection and reconstruction. They were given different modes of anesthesia (with and without intubation). Fiberoptic intubation was selected in the 18-year patient, and non-intubation was selected in 46-year patient. Invasive blood pressure monitoring was established prior to the induction of anesthesia. Both operations were successful without any untoward events. However, the choice of intubation resulted in prolonged stay and increased overall expenses. Therefore, it is suggested that non-tracheal intubation anesthesia should be used for resection of stenosis due to rapid postoperative recovery, shorten hospital stay, and lower cost. However, sufficient sedation and analgesia should be given and careful attention should be paid to patients.