Management of Tracheal Surgery Complications and Redo Tracheal Surgery

Abstract

Tracheal surgery is associated with low mortality but substantial morbidity. Major complications after tracheal and laryngotracheal resection and reconstruction may affect a significant percentage of patients. Anastomotic complications include granulations, dehiscence, and recurrent stenoses. Breakdown of the airway anastomosis may lead to catastrophic complications such as tracheoinnominate and tracheoesophageal fistulas. Nonanastomotic complications include recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, glottic dysfunction, and respiratory infections. This article discusses complications occurring after tracheal surgery and offers strategies for optimizing patient outcomes based on current evidence. The final sections provide a summary of best practices for redo tracheal surgery and current challenges.

Keywords: Anastomotic complications; Laryngotracheal resection and reconstruction; Redo tracheal surgery; Revision tracheal surgery; Surgical complications; Trachea; Tracheal resection and reconstruction; Tracheal surgery.