The role of bronchoscopy in slide tracheoplasty in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the role of bronchoscopy in slide tracheoplasty.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the diagnosis and treatment of four children with tracheal stenosis admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from 2017 to 2020. The role of bronchoscopy was summarized in the preoperative evaluation, intraoperative positioning and measurement, and postoperative wound evaluation and treatment during slide tracheoplasty.@*RESULTS@#Bronchoscopy evaluation before slide tracheoplasty showed that 3 of the 4 children had complete trachea rings, 2 had pulmonary artery sling, and 2 had multiple stenosis. Slide tracheoplasty was performed in the hospital on 3 children, and the midpoint of the stenosis segment was judged under bronchoscopy, and the length of the stenosis segment was measured, which assisted in the resection of the stenosis segment of the trachea. The pathogens were identified by lavage after the surgery. One child who developed scar traction 9 months after slide tracheoplasty in another hospital was improved by interventional treatment under bronchoscopy. Mucosal changes were found under bronchoscopy in 2 children 4 days after surgery, and the treatment plan was adjusted. One month after surgery, 2 children had granulation hyperplasia, which was improved by cryotherapy under bronchoscopy. One child abandoned treatment due to anastomotic necrosis and died. Three survivors were followed up for over 6 months with good prognosis, but all had tracheobronchial malacia.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Bronchoscopy can be used for the management of slide tracheoplasty in children with tracheal stenosis, which is helpful to postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up.

Research progress of circumferential tracheal reconstruction via tissue-engineered trachea / 中华外科杂志

Tissue engineering, as a new technology, provides a new avenue for the reconstruction of circumferential tracheal defects, which has always been a tremendous challenge for surgeons around the world. Recently, technologies such as decellularization, 3-dimensional printing, electrospinning and cell sheet have significantly enhanced the chondrification. Implantation of epithelial cells or transplantation of epithelial cell sheets also has accelerated the process of epithelialization. And pedicle muscle flap proved to be a reliable strategy for vascularization of tissue-engineered trachea. But it is still a huge challenge to achieve circumferential tracheal functional reconstruction. The key difficulty lies in how to simultaneously realize the functional regeneration of cartilage, blood vessels and epithelial tissues of tissue-engineered trachea. Therefore, how to integrate the above schemes and finally realize segmental tracheal reconstruction needs further research. This article reviews the research progress of repairing circumferential tracheal defects based on tissue engineering technology.

Surgical tracheoplasty for children with congenital tracheal stenosis undergoing previous balloon dilatation or tracheal metal stent placement: a series of 9 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the outcomes of Slide tracheoplasty for the children with severe congenital tracheal stenosis received previous repeated balloon dilatation or metal stent placement under endoscopy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 9 children with congenital tracheal stenosis undergoing previous interventional therapy under tracheoscopy and later received Slide tracheoplasty due to obvious respiratory symptoms at Department of Cardiac Surgery, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University between February 2017 and July 2021. There were 7 males and 2 females with a median age at operation of 72.4 months (range: 13.3 to 98.9 months), and the median weight was 19.0 kg (range: 9.0 to 33.0 kg). Among the 9 patients, 2 patients began to receive repeated balloon dilatation (more than 3 times) 17.8 and 51.8 months ago respectively. One patient received metal stents placement into the trachea for 4 days and the other 6 children for median 56.8 months (range: 21.6 to 74.2 months). Complete tracheal cartilage rings and long segmental stenosis were present. in all 9 children. Operative details and outcome measures, including the need for endoscopic airway intervention and mortality, were collected. Results: Slide tracheoplasty was performed in all cases. Two patients with repeated balloon dilatation had different thickness of tracheal wall, local scar hyperplasia and irregular lumen. Among them, 1 case had obvious local calcification of tracheal wall, which was difficult to suture. The metal stent in one patient with short time of placement was completely removed. However, only part of the metal stents could be removed due to the long placement time in the other 6 cases. There was no operative death in the 9 children. The median postoperative tracheal intubation time was 25.3 hours (range: 17.4 to 74.5 hours). A silicone stent was placed in the trachea of 1 child due to obvious respiratory symptoms. Follow-up of median 11 months (range: 1 to 23 months) showed that no death occurred after discharge and all children had basically normal activity tolerance with no obvious respiratory symptoms. Conclusions: Slide tracheoplasty is feasible for children undergoing prior balloon dilatation or metal stents placement. Previously repeated balloon dilatation or metal stent placement under endoscopy increased the difficulty of slide tracheoplasty, the metal stent could not be completely removed after a long time.

Analysis of cases with emergency thyroid surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of cases with emergency thyroid surgery. Methods: Nineteen cases treated with emergency thyroid surgery from May 2014 to May 2019 were analysed retrospectively, including 9 males and 10 females, aged from 24-79 years old. Among them, 6 cases had nodular goitres and 13 cases had thyroid malignancies. One case underwent tracheal stenting before operation. Emergency thyroid surgery was due to severe dyspnea in all cases. Treatment outcomes and prognoses of patients were evaluated. Results: All the 19 patients underwent general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. One patient underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) and two patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Six cases of nodular goitres underwent proximal thyroidectomy. Eight cases of malignant tumors underwent total thyroidectomy, six cases with invading the trachea underwent tracheal end-end anastomosis after partial tracheal resection, one case underwent tumor resection with sternal sternum approach, cervical and mediastinal lymph node dissection, total laryngectomy and tracheal low ostomy. Two cases with extensive involvement of malignant tumors were given a definite diagnosis and tracheostomy. Of three cases with malignant lymphoma, one underwent total thyroidectomy, and two were only given a definite diagnosis and tracheostomy. No complications such as hemorrhage, recurrent laryngeal nerve or parathyroid injury occurred after operation in all patients. With followed up for 6-50 months, except 2 cases died due to tumor progression, the rest were alive. Conclusions: Patients with obvious dyspnea caused by thyroid tumors have a high mortality rate and should be treated actively. Emergency surgery not only relieves respiratory obstruction and saves the lives of patients, but some patients can get a radical cure as well.

A modified rabbit model of tracheal stenosis and a household endoscope. More simplicity and accessibility

Abstract Purpose: To develop a simpler animal model for benign tracheal stenosis and introduce a low-cost household endoscope for postmodeling endotracheal evaluation. Methods: Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into a model group (15 rabbits, subjected to transoral nylon brush scraping of the trachea) and a mock group (5 rabbits, merely exempted from scraping), a household endoscope was then introduced for weekly endoscopic examination. Meanwhile, other 15 rabbits (modeling like the model group) underwent batch tracheal resection at different postintervention times for pathological analysis. Results: The model group presented a low mortality and few complications. The endoscope could obtain adequate images for stenosis assessment, which showed that the models presented homogeneous injury after scraping and developed a mature scar stricture at 28 days postoperatively with a mean stenosis degree of 65.9%, and 71.4% (10/14) above Myer-Cotton's grade II. The pathological findings were consistent with the clinicopathological process of human. No stenosis was found in mock group. Conclusion: The modified model is simpler, minimally invasive and reliable, while the household endoscope is competent for model's follow-up, providing easily accessible and useful tools for facilitating more extensive studies of benign tracheal stenosis.

Laryngotracheal separation in pediatric patients: 13-year experience in a reference service / Separação laringotraqueal em pacientes pediátricos: 13 anos de experiência em um serviço de referência

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate clinical stability of neurologically impaired children and adolescents with recurrent pneumonia submitted to laryngotracheal separation. Methods: Between October 2002 and June 2015, 92 neurologically impaired children from a reference service, with median age of 68.5 months were submitted to laryngotracheal separation. Data were evaluated and statistical analysis was made by Student's t test and Pearson's χ2 test (significance level adopted of 95%). Results: Fifty-three children were male (57.6%). Forty-six children required admission to intensive care, and 42.4% needed mechanical ventilation. We observed that 90.2% of patients were exclusively fed by gastrostomy and 72.4% of the gastrostomies were performed before the tracheal surgery. Thirteen (14.1%) children had postoperative complications as follows: fistulae (5.4%), bleeding (4.3%), granuloma (2.2%) and stenosis (3.2%). A total of 24 patients had pneumonia in the postoperative period (26.1%), but there was a significant drop in occurrence of this condition after surgery (100% versus 26.1%; p<0.001). Twenty-three patients (25%) died. Postoperative complications were similar when comparing patients who died and those that presented good outcome (16.7% versus 13.2%; p=0.73). Conclusion: When well-indicated, the laryngotracheal separation reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infections, thus improving quality of life and reducing admissions to hospital. Laryngotracheal separation should be indicated as a primary procedure in patients with cerebral palsy and recurrent aspiration pneumonia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a estabilidade clínica da criança e do adolescente neuropata com episódios de pneumonia de repetição submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico de separação laringotraqueal. Métodos: Entre outubro 2002 a junho 2015, 92 crianças neuropatas de um único serviço com idade mediana de 68,5 meses foram submetidas à separação laringotraqueal. Os dados foram avaliados e foi realizada análise estatística pelo teste t de Student e pelo teste do χ2 de Pearson, com nível de significância adotado de 95%. Resultados: Dentre as 92 crianças, 53 eram do sexo masculino (57,6%). Quarenta e seis crianças necessitaram de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, e 42,4% fizeram uso de ventilação mecânica. Dessas crianças, 90,2% alimentavam-se exclusivamente via gastrostomia, e 72,4% foram realizadas antes da separação laringotraqueal. As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 13 crianças (14,1%), na seguinte ordem: fístula (5,4%), sangramento (4,3%), granuloma (2,2%) e estenose (3,2%). Observaram-se 24 episódios de pneumonia no período pós-operatório (26,1%). Houve diminuição significativa de ocorrência de pneumonias após a cirurgia (100% versus 26,1%, p<0,001). Óbito foi registrado em 23 pacientes (25%). A frequência de complicações pós-operatórias foi semelhante entre os pacientes que evoluíram ou não para óbito (16,7% versus 13,2%; p=0,73). Conclusão: A cirurgia bem indicada reduz o número de infecção pulmonar após o procedimento, melhorando a qualidade de vida desses pacientes e, consequentemente, reduzindo o número de internações. A separação laringotraqueal deve ser indicada como procedimento primário nos pacientes com paralisia cerebral e episódios repetidos de pneumonia aspirativa.

Rotura traqueal completa asociada a lesión del conducto torácico posterior a trauma torácico cerrado: reporte de un caso / Full tracheal rupture associated with posterior thoracic duct injury to blunt chest trauma: a case report

Antecedentes: La rotura traqueal completa y la lesión de conducto torácico representan complicaciones raras del trauma torácico cerrado. Método: Se presenta el caso de un paciente con rotura completa de la tráquea asociada a rotura del conducto torácico que fue operado en el Hospital del Trabajador. Discusión y conclusiones: La identificación y el manejo oportuno de estas lesiones disminuyen la morbimortalidad asociada a trauma.

Background: Tracheal rupture and thoracic duct lesion are rare complications of blunt thoracic trauma. Method: We present in this article the case of a patient with complete tracheal rupture and thoracic duct lesion treated in Hospital del Trabajador. Discussion and conclusions: Early identification and prompt management of this conditions reduce morbimortality associated with trauma.

Tracheobronchial injuries in chest trauma: a 17-year experience / Lesões traqueobrônquicas no trauma torácico: experiência de 17 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the clinical and therapeutic aspects of tracheobronchial lesions in victims of thoracic trauma. Methods: we analyzed the medical records of patients with tracheobronchial lesions treated at the São Paulo Holy Home from April 1991 to June 2008. We established patients' severity through physiological (RTS) and anatomical trauma indices (ISS, PTTI). We used TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) to evaluate the probability of survival. Results: nine patients had tracheobronchial lesions, all males, aged between 17 and 38 years. The mean values ​​of the trauma indices were: RTS - 6.8; ISS - 38; PTTI - 20.0; and TRISS - 0.78. Regarding the clinical picture, six patients displayed only emphysema of the thoracic wall or the mediastinum and three presented with hemodynamic or respiratory instability. The time interval from patient admission to diagnosis ranged from one hour to three days. Cervicotomy was performed in two patients and thoracotomy, in seven (77.7%), being bilateral in one case. Length of hospitalization ranged from nine to 60 days, mean of 21. Complications appeared in four patients (44%) and mortality was nil. Conclusion: tracheobronchial tree trauma is rare, it can evolve with few symptoms, which makes immediate diagnosis difficult, and presents a high rate of complications, although with low mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir os aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de lesões traqueobrônquicas em vítimas de trauma torácico. Métodos: análise de dados dos prontuários de pacientes com lesões traqueobrônquicas atendidas na Santa Casa de São Paulo no período de abril de 1991 a junho de 2008. A caracterização da gravidade dos doentes foi feita por meio de índices de trauma fisiológico (RTS) e anatômicos (ISS, PTTI). O TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) foi utilizado para avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida. Resultados: nove doentes tinham lesões traqueobrônquicas, todos do sexo masculino, com idades entre 17 e 38 anos. Os valores médios dos índices de trauma foram: RTS- 6,8; ISS- 38; PTTI-20,0; TRISS-0,78. Com relação ao quadro clínico, seis apresentaram apenas enfisema de parede torácica ou do mediastino e três doentes se apresentaram com instabilidade hemodinâmica ou respiratória. O intervalo de tempo necessário para se firmar o diagnóstico, desde a admissão do doente, variou de uma hora a três dias. Cervicotomia foi realizada em dois pacientes e toracotomia foi realizada em sete (77,7%), sendo bilateral em um caso. O tempo de internação variou de nove a 60 dias, média de 21 dias. Complicações apareceram em quatro pacientes (44%) e a mortalidade foi nula. Conclusão: o trauma da árvore traqueobrônquica é raro, pode evoluir com poucos sintomas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico imediato, e apresenta alto índice de complicações embora com baixa mortalidade.

A comprehensive protocol to evaluate the use of blood and its components in Latin America and the Caribbean / Un protocolo integral para evaluar el uso de la sangre y sus componentes en América Latina y el Caribe

Blood transfusion safety is a critical part of appropriate health care. Considering the limited information available on the use of blood and its components in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Grupo Cooperativo iberoamericano de Medicina Transfusional (Ibero-American Cooperative Group for Transfusion Medicine; GCIAMT), through its Research and International Affairs committees, carried out a project to develop a protocol that would facilitate the evaluation of blood usage at the country, jurisdiction, and institutional levels in varied country contexts. Experts in blood safety from the Pan American Health Organization (Washington, DC, United States), the University of São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil), the Hemocentro of São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil), and GCIAMT designed a 2-step comprehensive blood-use evaluation protocol: step 1 collects data from blood requests, and step 2, from medical charts. At a minimum, 1 000 analyzed requests are necessary; as such, study periods vary depending on the number of transfusion requests issued. An Internet-based application, the Modular Research System-Study Management System (MRS-SMS), houses the data and produces reports on how hospitals request blood, how blood is issued, who requires blood and blood components, and as an added benefit, how many blood units are wasted and what the real demand for blood is.

La seguridad de las transfusiones de sangre constituye una parte fundamental de una apropiada atención de salud. Teniendo en cuenta la limitada información disponible sobre el uso de la sangre y sus componentes en América Latina y el Caribe, el Grupo Cooperativo Iberoamericano de Medicina Transfusional (GCIAMT), mediante sus comités de Investigación y de Asuntos Internacionales, llevó a cabo un proyecto de elaboración de un protocolo que facilitara la evaluación del uso de la sangre a nivel de país, jurisdiccional e institucional, en diversos contextos de país. Expertos en seguridad de la sangre de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (Washington, DC, Estados Unidos), la Universidad de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brasil), el Hemocentro de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brasil) y el GCIAMT diseñaron un protocolo integral de evaluación del uso de la sangre en 2 etapas: en la primera se recopilan datos de las solicitudes de sangre, y en la segunda, de las historias clínicas. Como mínimo, es preciso analizar 1 000 solicitudes; por ello, los períodos de estudio varían en dependencia del número de solicitudes de transfusión expedidas. Una aplicación basada en internet, el Modular Research System, Study Management System, alberga los datos y elabora informes sobre cómo solicitan sangre los hospitales, cómo se expide la sangre, quién requiere sangre y componentes sanguíneos y, como beneficio añadido, cuántas unidades de sangre se desperdician y cuál es la demanda real de sangre.

Relaxant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens on isolated rat tracheal rings

BACKGROUND: Ruta graveolens L. (R. graveolens) is a medicinal plant employed in non-traditional medicines that has various therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic, and vasodilatory actions, among others. We evaluated the trachea-relaxant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens against potassium chloride (KCl)- and carbachol-induced contraction of rat tracheal rings in an isolated organ bath. RESULTS: The results showed that the airway smooth muscle contraction induced by the depolarizing agent (KCl) and cholinergic agonist (carbachol) was markedly reduced by R. graveolens in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximum values of 109 ± 7.9 % and 118 ± 2.6 %, respectively (changes in tension expressed as positive percentages of change in proportion to maximum contraction), at the concentration of 45 µg/mL (half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50: 35.5 µg/mL and 27.8 µg/mL for KCl- and carbachol-induced contraction, respectively). Additionally, the presence of R. graveolens produced rightward parallel displacement of carbachol dose-response curves and reduced over 35 % of the maximum smooth muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens exhibited relaxant activity on rat tracheal rings. The results suggest that the trachea-relaxant effect is mediated by a non-competitive antagonistic mechanism. More detailed studies are needed to identify the target of the inhibition, and to determine more precisely the pharmacological mechanisms involved in the observed biological effects.

Effectiveness of the endotracheal tube cuff on the trachea: physical and mechanical aspects / Eficácia do balonete do tubo endotraqueal sobre a traqueia: aspectos físicos e mecânicos

Introduction: The inflation pressure of the endotracheal tube cuff can cause ischemia of the tracheal mucosa at high pressures; thus, it can cause important tracheal morbidity and tracheal microaspiration of the oropharyngeal secretion, or it can even cause pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation if the pressure of the cuff is insufficient. Objective: In order to investigate the effectiveness of the RUSCH® 7.5 mm endotracheal tube cuff, this study was designed to investigate the physical and mechanical aspects of the cuff in contact with the trachea. Methods: For this end, we developed an in vitro experimental model to assess the flow of dye (methylene blue) by the inflated cuff on the wall of the artificial material. We also designed an in vivo study with 12 Large White pigs under endotracheal intubation. We instilled the same dye in the oral cavity of the animals, and we analyzed the presence or not of leakage in the trachea after the region of the cuff after their deaths (animal sacrifice). All cuffs were inflated at the pressure of 30 cmH2O. Results: We observed the passage of fluids through the cuff in all in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Conclusion: We conclude that, as well as several other cuff models in the literature, the RUSCH® 7.5 mm tube cuffs are also not able to completely seal the trachea and thus prevent aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Other prevention measures should be taken. .

Introdução: A pressão de insuflação do balonete (cuff) do tubo endotraqueal tanto pode causar isquemia de mucosa traqueal em pressões elevadas, e assim ocasionar morbidade traqueal importante, quanto pode causar microaspiração traqueal de secreção de orofaringe ou, ainda, ocasionar pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, caso a pressão do balonete seja insuficiente. Objetivo: A fim de investigar a eficácia do balonete do tubo endotraqueal RUSCH® 7,5mm, este estudo foi desenhado para investigar aspectos físicos e mecânicos do balonete em contato com a traqueia. Métodos: Para isto, foi desenvolvido modelo experimental in vitro para avaliar o escoamento de corante (azul de metileno) pelo balonete insuflado na parede de material artificial. Também foi desenhado estudo in vivo com 12 porcos da raça Large-White sob intubação endotraqueal. Foi instilado o mesmo corante na cavidade oral do animal e após óbito (sacrifício do animal) foi analisada a presença ou não de vazamento deste na traqueia pós-região do balonete. Todos os balonetes foram insuflados na pressão de 30 cmH2O. Resultados: Houve passagem de fluidos pelo balonete em todos os modelos experimentais in vitro e in vivo. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que, assim como diversos outros modelos de balonetes na literatura, balonetes do tubo RUSCH® 7,5mm também não são capazes de vedar completamente a traqueia e com isso prevenir aspiração de secreções orofaríngeas. Outras medidas para a prevenção devem ser tomadas. .

Incisão em abordagem única por meio de técnica de retalho deltopeitoral para reconstrução de traqueostomia em paciente submetido à radioterapia após laringectomia / One stage "slit" deltopectoral flap technique for end tracheostomy reconstruction in irradiated postlaryngectomy patient

Reconstruir lesão do estoma traqueal em pacientes submetidos a laringectómica total é um desafio, especialmente, quando a pele do perístoma está lesionada devido à radioterapia. A reconstrução é complexa e geralmente requer mais de uma abordagem. Apresenta-se técnica simples utilizada com sucesso em paciente de 80 anos com deiscência de lesão do estoma traqueal e retração da traqueia.

Reconstruction of tracheal stoma wound in patients who undergone total laryngectomy is challenging especially when the peristomal skin is unhealthy due to radi therapy. The reconstruction is complex and usually requires more than one stage. We present a simple techniqued successfully used in an 80-year-old patient with dehisced tracheal stoma wound and retraction of trachea.

Management of a case of left tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass: Anesthesia perspectives.

The lung tumors with carinal involvement are frequently managed with tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy and tracheobronchial anastomosis without use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Various modes of ventilation have been described during tracheal resection and anastomosis. Use of CPB during this period allows the procedure to be conducted in a more controlled way. We performed tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of left lung involving carina. The surgery was performed in two stages. In the first stage, left pneumonectomy was performed and in the second stage after 48 h, tracheobronchial resection and anastomosis was performed under CPB. Second stage was delayed to avoid excessive bleeding (due to heparinization) from the extensive vascular raw area left after pneumonectomy. Meticulous peri‑operative planning and optimal post‑operative care helped in successful management of a complex case, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Usefulness of Permanent Tracheostoma in Chronic Brain Injured Patients: A Case Series

Patients with severe neurological deficit, such as hypoxic ischemic injury, cerebral infarction, and traumatic brain injury, often show comatose mental status and require maintenance of long-term tracheostomy for pulmonary toileting. However, several complications, which are mostly related to the cannula, invariably occur. Permanent tracheostoma is a short, skin-lined, noncollapsing, self-sustaining opening by suturing the denuded skin lining to the margin of the tracheal stoma. This tube-free method is a useful alternative to make long-term airway without tube-related complications in chronic diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and laryngeal cancer, however, it has not yet been reported in chronic brain injured patients. This case report illustrates 3 cases of vegetative patients in our rehabilitation clinic who underwent successful procedure of permanent tracheostoma. Permanent tracheostoma has some benefits associated with the free of tube-related complications, and can be considered as a useful alternative way for chronic brain injured patients with long-term tracheostomy.

Resección traqueal y anastomosis primaria en traumatismo traqueo esofágico por arma de fuego / Tracheal resection and primary anastomosis in tracheoesophagueal gunshot trauma

Introduction: even though tracheoesophagueal lesions due to cervicothoracic gunshot wound are infrecuent, they should always be considered in a lesion of this kind, based on the proximity of the structures in this area, as well as the rapid compromise and deterioration that can develop these patients if the air way or vascular structures are damaged. Clinical case: we present a patient with a tracheoesophageal gunshot trauma and the surgical repair.

Introducción: las lesiones traqueo esofágicas secundarias a heridas de bala en cuello, a pesar de ser infrecuentes, siempre deben descartarse frente a un mecanismo de este tipo, no sólo por la proximidad de las estructuras sino también por el importante compromiso y rápido deterioro que pudieran presentar estos pacientes si la vía aérea o estructuras vasculares se vieran comprometidas. Caso clínico: se presenta en este trabajo un paciente con lesión traqueo esofágica secundaria a herida de bala, además de la técnica de reparación utilizada.

Correlation of intraluminal esophageal pressure with the dynamic extension of tracheoesophageal voice in total laryngectomees

PURPOSE: To evaluate and correlate the amplitude of esophageal contractions triggered by swallowing water with dynamic extension and habitual, strong and weak sound intensity in total laryngectomees wearing a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. METHODS: Thirty total laryngectomees using tracheoesophageal voice with a phonatory prosthesis were evaluated by measuring the amplitude of contractions in the proximal, middle and distal esophagus and the pressure of the pharyngoesophageal transition by manometry. In order to measure vocal intensity the subject was asked to emit phonation of the vowel /a/ at habitual, strong and weak intensity which was captured with a sound pressure meter. Dynamic extension was calculated by subtracting strong intensity from weak intensity. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between contraction amplitude and dynamic extension in the proximal (rho: 0.45; p=0.01) and distal (rho: 0.41; p=0.02) esophagus There was no correlation with other parameters.. Total laryngectomees wearing a phonatory prosthesis with a dynamic extension above 21 dBNPS had greater contraction amplitude than laryngectomees with a dynamic extension below this value. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between pressure amplitude in the proximal and distal esophagus and increased dynamic extension. The individuals with normal dynamic extension had greater contraction amplitude in the proximal esophagus than individuals with dynamic extension lower than the expected values for age.

Perioperative management of tracheobronchial injury following blunt trauma.

We describe tracheobronchial injury (TBI) in a 17-year-old teenager following blunt trauma resulting from a road traffic accident. The patient presented to a peripheral hospital with swelling over the neck and face associated with bilateral pneumothorax for which bilateral intercostal drains were inserted and the patient was transferred to our institute. Fiber-optic videobronchoscopy (FOB) was performed, the trachea and bronchi were visualized, and the site and extent of injury was assessed. Spontaneous respiration was maintained till assessment of the airway. Then the patient was anesthetized with propofol and paralyzed using succinylcholine and a double-lumen endobronchial tube was inserted; thereafter, the adequacy of controlled manual ventilation and air-leak through intercostal drains was assessed and the patient was transferred to operating room (OR) for repair of the airway injury. The OR was kept ready during FOB to manage any catastrophe. This case describes the need for proper preparation and communication between health care team members to manage all possible scenarios of traumatic TBI.

Biocompatibility of a new device of self-expandable covered and non-covered tracheal stent: comparative study in rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the compatibility of a new model of self-expandable tracheal stent in rats. METHODS: A new device of polyurethane covered and non - covered stent was placed in the trachea of Wistar rats. Animals were distributed in two groups: the polyurethane covered and non-covered group. Macroscopic parameters included position within the tracheal lumen, adherence to the mucosa, degree of dilatation, permeability and internal diameter. Microscopic findings evaluated were: incorporation, inflammatory activity, granulation tissue and epithelial revetment injuries. The observation follow-up was six weeks. All parameters were quantified based on determined score values. Incorporation of the stents was evaluated based on the observation if the stent was fixed into the trachea or if it could be removed. Degree of dilatation was performed by external diameter measurements. Granulation tissue was evaluated by measurements of height of the tissue growing into the tracheal lumen. RESULTS: 100% of non-covered stents had total attachment to mucosa and 100% of polyurethane covered type had adherence only. Regarding dilatation, granulation tissue, inflammatory activity and internal diameter measurements, there were no significant differences between the groups. Pathological tracheal wall injuries were present in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both models of stent demonstrated biocompatibility with the trachea. Rats are suitable for an experimental model of tracheal stent study.

Evaluation of histological changes after tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the histological changes of tracheal cartilage and epithelium caused by tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model. METHODS: Rat fetuses were divided into two groups: a) External control, composed of non-operated rats, and b) Interventional group, composed of rats operated upon on gestational day 18.5 (term = 22 days), divided into triads: 1) Tracheal occlusion, 2) Internal control and 3) Sham (manipulated but not operated). Morphological data for body weight, total lung weight and total lung weight/body weight ratio were collected and measured on gestational days 19.5, 20.5 and 21.5. Tracheal samples were histologically processed, and epithelial, chondral and total tracheal thicknesses were measured on each gestational day. RESULTS: The tracheal occlusion group exhibited an increase in total lung weight/body weight ratio (p<0.001). Histologically, this group had a thicker epithelial thickness (p<0.05) and thinner chondral (p<0.05) and total tracheal thicknesses (p<0.001). These differences were more prominent on gestational days 20.5 and 21.5. CONCLUSION: Tracheal occlusion changed tracheal morphology, increased epithelial thickness and considerably decreased total tracheal thickness. These changes in the tracheal wall could explain the development of tracheomegaly, recently reported in some human fetuses subjected to tracheal occlusion.