Permanent tracheostomy: a new surgical technique.

A new method of permanent tracheal fenestration is reported, utilizing cervical skin and tracheal flaps. It has been performed on four patients without complications and has the advantage of being a quick, simple, one-stage operation that is reversible should conditions change. The procedure is utilized in patients with posttraumatic or postirradiation fibrosis of the larynx, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and patients with sleep apnea.