Cited 9 times since 2014 (0.9 per year) source: EuropePMC European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Volume 47, Issue 1, 18 3 2014, Pages 146-52; discussion 152 Long-term follow-up of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage. Yazdanbakhsh AP, van Rijssen LB, Koolbergen DR, König A, de Mol BA, Hazekamp MG

Objectives

To evaluate long-term results of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage for relieving severe long-segment tracheal stenosis.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively by clinical chart review. Between 1995 and 2013, 21 patients underwent tracheoplasty. Follow-up was performed by outpatient chart review; otherwise, referring physicians and parents were contacted and asked to fill in a questionnaire.

Results

Median age at the time of operation was 0.9 (range 0.5-44) years. Aetiology of tracheal stenosis was double aortic arch in 9 patients, right arch with a left ductus in 3, innominate artery compression in 1 patient, complete tracheal rings in 7, 3 of whom with pulmonary artery sling and 2 with agenesis of one lung, and other causes in 1 patient. Previous surgery was performed in 6 (29%) patients. Patch tracheoplasty was performed using autologous pericardial patch and external stenting using costal cartilage. Major complications were mediastinitis and patch dehiscence in 2 patients, 2 patients needed tracheal cannula and 1 patient had stent implantation. Three (14%) patients died in the late postoperative period: 1 patient died of sepsis, 1 had patch dehiscence and 1 erosion of tracheal stent and consequently intractable bleeding. Follow-up was 6.1±2.7 years (0.75-10 years). At follow-up, 2 (11%) patients were still symptomatic, 4 (22%) had occasionally mild symptoms and 12 (67%) were free of symptoms.

Conclusions

Treatment for severe tracheal stenosis remains challenging. With tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage, long and narrow tracheal stenosis can be repaired. There are no limitations as to the length and location and severity of the stenosis. Tracheoplasty is associated with a high complication rate. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to ensure favourable long-term outcomes.

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2014 3;47(1):146-52; discussion 152