Long-term follow-up of tracheal pleomorphic adenoma: A case report.

Pleomorphic adenomas occur primarily in the salivary glands, while the primary of the trachea is relatively rare. Depending on their location and size, they may elicit symptoms reminiscent of asthma and asphyxia. We performed a rigid bronchoscopic resection with a radiofrequency snare of a primary pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea with severe airway narrowing. In this case, the positive resection margins raised concerns about malignant transformation and local recurrence, but no recurrence has been observed seven years postoperatively. The low expression of Ki-67 on immunohistological examination may be one of the reasons for the absence of recurrence.

Integrated endoscopic treatment of primitive unresectable tracheal tumor: the INTACT retrospective cohort study.

Background: Primitive tracheal tumors represent a rare entity whose management, when unresectable, remains challenging. Primary aim of this study was to explore the survival and the factors influencing prognosis of patients with unresectable primitive tracheal tumor undergoing multimodal treatment integrating interventional bronchoscopy and radiotherapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University Hospital of Modena (Italy) over a 12-year period (January 2010 to January 2022) analyzing patients with unresectable primary tracheal tumor receiving interventional bronchoscopy treatment followed by radiotherapy. Survival analysis was conducted for the whole population and according to histology, development of metastasis, stent placement and the onset of disease relapse. The raw and independent association between potential risk factor and 5-year mortality and the reported complications were investigated. Results: A total of 12 patients were included. Five-year survival rate was 42% with a median survival time of 26.7 (interquartile range, 4.1-82) months. Survivors showed a higher prevalence of cystic-adenoid histology (80% vs. 14%), while patients who were dead at 5 years were those with a more advanced T (prevalence of T2: 71% vs. 0%) and a lower response to first line treatment (57% vs. 0%). Treatment complications accounted for stent dislocation (33%) and the onset of granuloma (18%), while no major side effects were reported. The presence of cystic-adenoid histology resulted in significantly improved 5-year survival rate (80% vs. 14%). The onset of distal metastasis, the occurrence of disease relapse and the placement of tracheal stent did not result significantly associated with lower survival. Among analysed variables, only the presence of cystic-adenoid histology resulted independently associated with survival (odds ratio =0.1, P=0.04). Conclusions: Multimodal treatment including interventional bronchoscopy and associated radiotherapy for unresectable primary tracheal tumors seems not burdened by significant complications and may provide benefits in terms of survival for those patients with cystic-adenoid histology.

Multislice helical computed tomography imaging diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumor in cardiothoracic surgery.

Objective: it aimed to explore the value of multislice helical computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumors. Methods: 64 patients with the primary tracheal tumor who were diagnosed in Wuxi Second People's Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 were selected as the research objects. MSCT imaging was performed on all patients, and suitable surgical methods. The pathological results were compared with original CT, CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE), and Comparisons were made using CT three-dimensional reconstruction images to evaluate the accuracy of MSCT diagnosis. Parameters such as postoperative complications and survival rates were observed to assess surgical effectiveness and safety. Results: Compared with original CT images (70%, 72%, 70%), the diagnostic accuracy of VR images (80%, 80%, 80%), MPVR images (85%, 90%, 92%), and CTVE images (100%, 100%, 100%) was remarkably improved (P<0.05). The three-year survival rate of patients with smooth muscle tumors, malignant tumors, salivary gland adenoma, papillary tumors, and inflammatory polyp was markedly lower than that of the one-year survival rate, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 14.1%, with three cases resulting in complication-related deaths. Conclusion: the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT imaging of primary tracheal tumor was high. The diagnostic accuracy of CTVE was higher than that of VR and MPVR. Besides, surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumor had a substantial effect, with no serious postoperative complications.

Anesthetic management of thyroid carcinoma invading the upper tracheal segment: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intratracheal tumors account for approximately 0.2 % of respiratory tumors, including primary and secondary tumors. Secondary tumors of the upper trachea are most commonly derived from advanced thyroid cancer. Surgical resection is currently the general curative modality for thyroid cancer with tracheal invasion. Patients with tracheal tumors invading and protruding into the lumen may have reduced oxygen reserve capacity, leading to a shorter safe window for general anesthesia induction. Establishing an appropriate artificial airway is essential to ensure intraoperative safety for these patients. Here, we report a case of tracheal tumor caused by differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the upper segment of the trachea and the non-conventional approach used for intraoperative airway management without traditional endotracheal intubation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 59-year-old female presented with bilateral neck masses and hemoptysis. The CT scan revealed suspicious malignant thyroid nodules, and tracheoscopy showed an approximately 50 % obstruction of the tracheal lumen. The patient's physical examination and biochemical examination showed no significant abnormalities. Based on imaging studies and pre-anesthetic assessment, a multidisciplinary team decided against performing endotracheal intubation in the patient due to the risk of tumor bleeding during the procedure. Instead, they opted for a modified endotracheal tube and the insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The anesthesia induction and maintenance proceeded smoothly, with stable intraoperative hemodynamics. The tumor was successfully resected and tracheal anastomosis was performed without any complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The strategy adroitly evades the risk of bleeding and dislodgement due to tumor contact during the intubation process. In this case report, the anesthetic highlight is the employment of a reverse insertion technique for endotracheal intubation, facilitated by a sterile suction catheter and complemented by an innovative modification to the tracheal tube. CONCLUSION: For patients with thyroid cancer invading the upper segment of the trachea, and in whom rapid induction anesthesia is anticipated not to cause tumor collapse, the use of laryngeal mask airway combined with modified tracheal tube mechanical ventilation is both safe and feasible.

Pulmonary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Mimicking Asthma-Like Symptoms: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC) is a rare, low-grade malignant salivary gland-type tumor characterized by a dormant onset and slow progression, often leading to misdiagnosis. Due to its rarity, limited cases have been reported in the literature. This report aimed to enhance clinicians' understanding of this infrequent disease. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 41-year-old female patient diagnosed with PACC. Our report provides a comprehensive analysis of the patient's imaging, pathology, and treatment, with a particular focus on immunohistochemical results. Importantly, we emphasize the significance of considering foreign bodies and tumors in the bronchus when encountering asthma-like symptoms unresponsive to conventional treatments. Due to the uncertain etiology and pathophysiology of PACC, there are currently no established guidelines for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: PACC predominantly manifests as bronchial lesions without significant clinical heterogeneity. Therefore, it is crucial to consider foreign bodies and tumors in the bronchus when dealing with asthma-like symptoms, especially in patients without chronic lung disease who do not respond to anti-infective, antispasmodic, and antiasthmatic treatments. Additionally, meticulous examination of lesions is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient survival rates.

[The first allogenic tracheal transplantation in humans 45 years ago : Procedure, course, and outcome]. / Die erste allogene Trachealtransplantation beim Menschen vor 45 Jahren : Vorgehen, Verlauf und Ergebnis.

In November/December 1978, the first successful tracheal transplantation in humans was performed at the University ENT Clinic in Cologne by the then senior physicians Kurt G. Rose (later chief physician in Dortmund) and Klaus Sesterhenn (later chief physician in Duisburg). Director of the clinic at that time was Prof. Dr. Dr. Fritz Wustrow [10]. The immunological foundations and preliminary work were laid by Sesterhenn in the context of a total of 338 tracheal transplants in Lewis rats in the 1970s (details in the text). The first successful tracheal transplantation was performed on 18 November 1978 in a, then 19-year-old patient who had previously had a motorcycle accident. The donor organ was explanted in the University Hospital Essen and transplanted about 160 min later in the Cologne University ENT Clinic, first into a pocket of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. The definitive transplantation took place on 06 December 1978. In the article, the circumstances at that time and the perioperative course in the Cologne University ENT Clinic are described by an eyewitness. The former patient is still well and without complications after more than four decades.

Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Targets of Primitive Tracheal Tumors: Focus on Tumors Derived by Salivary Glands and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Primary tracheal tumors are rare, constituting approximately 0.1-0.4% of malignant diseases. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) account for about two-thirds of these tumors. Despite most primary tracheal cancers being eligible for surgery and/or radiotherapy, unresectable, recurrent and metastatic tumors may require systemic treatments. Unfortunately, the poor response to available chemotherapy as well as the lack of other real therapeutic alternatives affects the quality of life and outcome of patients suffering from more advanced disease. In this condition, target therapy against driver mutations could constitute an alternative to chemotherapy, and may help in disease control. The past two decades have seen extraordinary progress in developing novel target treatment options, shifting the treatment paradigm for several cancers such as lung cancer. The improvement of knowledge regarding the genetic and biological alterations, of major primary tracheal tumors, has opened up new treatment perspectives, suggesting the possible role of biological targeted therapies for the treatment of these rare tumors. The purpose of this review is to outline the state of knowledge regarding the molecular biology, and the preliminary data on target treatments of the main primary tracheal tumors, focusing on salivary-gland-derived cancers and squamous cell carcinoma.

Cough as a Clue: Tracheal Endocarcinoma Unveiled.

Tracheal adenocarcinoma (TAC) is a rare malignancy often characterized by significant delays in diagnosis, often attributed to the non-specific nature of symptoms, leading to subsequent challenges in management. The prognosis remains poor, highlighting the need for early detection and multidisciplinary treatment strategies. Surgical resection is recommended for eligible patients, followed by postsurgical irradiation. However, further research is required to give a better perspective on therapeutic interventions and enhance patient outcomes. This paper reports the case of a 50-year-old male, who presented with dyspnea, hemoptysis, and cough. The computed tomography (CT) revealed an intratracheal tissue mass. The cytological examination and immunocytochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of primary adenocarcinoma in the trachea. The treatment involved silicone tracheobronchial Y-stent followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, and radiotherapy (60 Gray) with good clinical improvement.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Although pleomorphic adenoma is the most common type of parotid gland tumor, its occurrence in the trachea is rare. Here, we describe a successfully resected pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea in a woman with severe respiratory failure that had been preoperatively misdiagnosed as asthma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with symptoms of worsening dyspnea and subsequent loss of consciousness. She had a history of progressively worsening wheezing and stridor over the course of 2-years and had been diagnosed with asthma. Arterial blood gas sample analysis indicated type II respiratory failure. A chest computed tomographic scan revealed a tumor in the trachea, which was almost completely obstructing the lower tracheal lumen. The tumor was located just above the carina. To alleviate airway constriction and achieve complete resection, carinal resection with reconstruction was performed. The postoperative diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Pleomorphic adenoma is a rare tracheal tumor that may present with obstructive airway symptoms that mimic asthma. CONCLUSION: Tracheal tumors should be considered in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms that do not improve with medication.

Endoscopic treatment of solitary fibrous tumor of the trachea: a case report.

Background: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, generally arising in the visceral pleura. It rarely originates from other sites such as trachea, orbital cavities, nasal cavities, peritoneum, paranasal sinuses, meninges, salivary glands, thyroid gland, diaphragm, liver, pancreas, lung kidney, adrenal gland, mediastinum, spermatid cord, pericardium, urinary bladder, prostate, uterine cervix, testis, spinal cord, periosteum, skin, soft tissue and bone. Case Description: We present a surgical case of a rare primary tracheal tumor. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest showed a 5 mm hypodense lesion, located on the right lateral wall of the proximal third of trachea; however the tracheal lumen was normal. We performed a rigid bronchoscopy in order to remove the endotracheal tumor with palliative purposes only. For this reason, we did not perform a prior histologic examination. The lesion was easily removed with common biopsy forceps and with standard aspirator. The debulking of the tumor was achieved with the use of laser Nd-YAP, electrocautery was used also for hemostasis to prevent bleeding during the operation. Without complications during the endoscopic treatment, the procedure was well tolerated by the patient. The pathological diagnosis was SFT. Conclusions: SFT located in the trachea can be endoscopically resceted. Endoscolical treatment is indicated for patients with poor clinical conditions (heart disease, respiratory failure) that are not elegible for surgical resection.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Rare Case Report.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare benign tumors that can occur anywhere in the body, most commonly in the pediatric and young adult populations. The gold standard treatment is surgical resection, possibly along with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. IMTs have a high recurrence rate and may present with secondary symptoms, such as hemoptysis, fever, and stridor. We present a 13-year-old male patient with hemoptysis for one month who was subsequently diagnosed with an obstructing IMT of the trachea. The preoperative assessment showed the patient was not in acute distress and could protect his airway, even when lying flat. The treatment plan was discussed with the otolaryngologist, to keep the patient spontaneously breathing throughout the case. Anesthesia was induced with boluses of midazolam, remifentanil, propofol, and dexmedetomidine. Doses were adjusted as needed. Glycopyrrolate was also given to limit the patient's secretions before initiating the surgical procedure. The FiO2 was kept under 30% as tolerated to reduce the risk of airway fire. During surgical resection, the patient was kept spontaneously breathing, and paralytics were avoided. Due to high tumor vascularity and inability to obtain hemostasis, the patient was kept intubated and on ventilation post-operatively until definitive treatment could be performed. On postoperative day 3, the patient returned to the operating room due to a worsening condition. He was found to have a partial obstruction of the right mainstem bronchus by the tumor. More of the tumor was debulked, and he remained intubated above the level of the debulked mass. The patient was then transferred to a higher acuity institution for advanced care. After the transfer, the patient underwent a carinal resection on cardiopulmonary bypass. This case provides insight into successfully sharing the airway during tracheal tumor resection, emphasizing minimizing the risk of airway fire and constant communication with the surgeon.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the left main bronchus: A case report and literature review.

Tracheal tumors are rare, accounting for 0.1% of all malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are the two most prevalent tracheal cancers. Less than 20 cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma in the trachea and main bronchus have ever been documented in the literature, making it extremely uncommon. Although the origin of these lesions is unclear, viral pathogenesis and persistent inflammation are thought to be the main causes. Clinically, these individuals exhibit vague symptoms such as stridor, a persistent cough, dyspnea, or wheezing, making a correct diagnosis difficult.

Tracheostomy and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for difficult airway patient with carinal melanoma: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia for tracheal tumor resection is challenging, particularly in patients with a difficult upper airway. We report a case of a difficult upper airway with a metastatic tracheal tumor causing near-total left bronchial obstruction and requiring emergency tracheostomy and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support for rigid bronchoscopy-assisted tumor resection. CASE SUMMARY: A 41-year-old man with a history of right retromolar melanoma treated by tumor excision and myocutaneous flap reconstruction developed progressive dyspnea on exertion and syncope episodes. Chest computed tomography revealed a 3.0-cm tracheal mass at the carinal level, causing 90% tracheal lumen obstruction. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed a pigmented tracheal mass at the carinal level causing critical carinal obstruction. Because of aggravated symptoms, emergency rigid bronchoscopy for tumor resection and tracheal stenting were planned with standby VV-ECMO. Due to limited mouth opening, tracheostomy was necessary for rigid bronchoscopy access. While transferring the patient to the operating table, sudden desaturation occurred and awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was performed for ventilation support. Femoral and internal jugular vein were catheterized to facilitate possible VV-ECMO deployment. During tracheostomy, progressive desaturation developed and VV-ECMO was instituted immediately. After tumor resection and tracheal stenting, VV-ECMO was weaned smoothly, and the patient was sent for intensive postoperative care. Two days later, he was transferred to the ward for palliative immunotherapy and subsequently discharged uneventfully. CONCLUSION: In a difficult airway patient with severe airway obstruction, emergency tracheostomy for rigid bronchoscopy access and standby VV-ECMO can be life-saving, and ECMO can be weaned smoothly after tumor excision. During anesthesia for patients with tracheal tumors causing critical airway obstruction, spontaneous ventilation should be maintained at least initially, and ECMO deployment should be prepared for high-risk patients, such as those with obstructive symptoms, obstructed tracheal lumen > 50%, or distal trachea location.

Blastomycosis Presenting as a Primary Tracheal Tumor: A Rare Presentation.

Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection that typically presents as a pulmonary infection. Systemic involvement of blastomycosis from the lungs commonly occurs in the skin and bones. Tracheal involvement is an unusual presentation of blastomycosis, which makes it a formidable diagnostic challenge. We herein report an unusual case of an 85-year-old man presenting with tracheal blastomycosis presenting as a primary tracheal tumor. We also highlight the challenges that were faced in the diagnosis of such an uncommon presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third occurrence of blastomycosis with tracheal involvement.

Treatment of primary tracheal schwannoma with endoscopic resection: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Schwannoma is a benign tumor originating from the peripheral nerve sheath. The clinical symptoms of tracheal schwannoma depend on the location of the tumor, and the most common clinical symptoms are cough and hemoptysis. The most effective treatment for benign tumors is complete resection of the primary lesion at an early stage. Our experience has demonstrated that primary tracheal schwannoma can be safely excised with a high-frequency electric knife in a minimally invasive manner. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 61-year-old asymptomatic woman who underwent chest computed tomography (CT), which accidentally found an intraluminal tracheal mass without enlarged lymph nodes. Then, the patient underwent bronchoscopy, which found that the tracheal mass originated from the left wall of the upper trachea, was less than 1.5 cm in size, immovable, smooth and 4 cm away from the vocal cord, resulting in partial upper respiratory tract obstruction. Treatment was performed using an endoscopic resection for en bloc removal of the tracheal mass. The diagnosis was primary tracheal schwannoma. A follow-up was performed after endoscopic surgery, and bronchoscopy and thoracic CT were used to monitor whether there was a recurrence. At present, there is no evidence of recurrence, and the patient had a good quality of life. Endoscopic resection may be effective and safe in the treatment of primary tracheal schwannoma. CONCLUSION: Primary tracheal schwannoma is a very rare benign tumor. In this case, we cured it by complete endoscopic resection.

Using ketamine in a patient with a near-occlusion tracheal tumor undergoing tracheal resection and reconstruction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal tumors may cause airway obstruction and pose a significant risk to ventilation and oxygenation. Due to its rarity, there is currently no established protocol or guideline for anesthetic management of resection of upper tracheal tumors, therefore individualized strategies are necessary. There are limited number of reports regarding the anesthesthetic management of upper tracheal resection and reconstruction (TRR) in the literature. We successfully used intravenous ketamine to manage a patient with a near-occlusion upper tracheal tumor undergoing TRR. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old female reported progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy showed an intratracheal tumor located one tracheal ring below the glottis, which occluded > 90% of the tracheal lumen. The patient was scheduled for TRR. Considering the risk of complete airway collapse after the induction of general anesthesia, we decided to secure the airway with a tracheostomy with spontaneous breathing. The surgeons needed to transect the trachea 1-2 cartilage rings below and above the tumor borders: a time-consuming process. Coughing and movement needed be minimized; thus, we added intravenous ketamine to local anesthetic infiltration. After tracheostomy, an endotracheal tube was placed into the distal trachea, and general anesthesia was induced. The surgeons resected four cartilage rings with the tumor attached and anastomosed the posterior tracheal wall. We performed a video-laryngoscopy to place a new endotracheal tube. Finally, the surgeons anastomosed the anterior tracheal walls. The patient was extubated uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Ketamine showed great advantages in the anesthesia of upper TRR by providing analgesia with minimal respiratory depression or airway collapse.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic hilar and pericardial release for long-segment tracheal resections.

Long-segment tracheal resection is technically challenging due to its high tension during reconstruction. Therefore, tracheal release maneuvers, including pulmonary hilar release and pericardial dissection, were required to reduce the anastomotic tension. Traditional hilar release is performed via thoracotomy; however, this approach is invasive. We report a case of bilateral hilar and pericardial release via a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach in resecting a long segment tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma that spanned 50% of the trachea. The bilateral hilar and pericardial releases were performed under general anesthesia through biportal VATS, which contributed to a total of 2.5 cm of additional mobility to the trachea, and the infrahyoid release was then performed through a cervical collar incision. The tumor-involved tracheal segments were removed via median sternotomy, totaling 6.0 cm in length, and the remaining trachea could be successfully reconstructed with a tension-free anastomosis. The total operative duration was 4.5 hours. The patient suffered a transient swallowing dysfunction during the postoperative course, with a good luminal patency in the trachea after 1 month postoperatively. Therefore, bilateral hilar release via VATS can be considered to be a less invasive, avoiding the potential complications related to a thoracotomy, but similarly effective release maneuver for long-segment tracheal resections.

A simple and practical intraoperative ventilation technique for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic tracheal reconstruction: a case report.

Background: Cross-field endotracheal intubation is typically performed during tracheal anastomosis to maintain single-lung ventilation. To minimize obstruction of the surgical field by the cross-field tube, special equipment such as high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or advanced techniques such as non-intubated ventilation have been proposed. Here, we describe a simple and practical airway management strategy that requires only conventional ventilators and techniques. Our operation is completed under uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Case Description: We report a case of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) presenting with cough with bloody sputum in a 53-year-old man. Computed tomography (CT) and flexible bronchoscopy revealed an irregular polypoid neoplasm attached to the right wall of the distal trachea, which almost completely blocked the tracheal lumen. To relieve the symptoms, transbronchoscopic resection of the tumor, followed by curative resection via uniportal VATS under general anesthesia was performed. To maintain single-lung ventilation during tracheal reconstruction, we took advantage of a thin suction tube [internal diameter (ID) 3 mm; external diameter (ED) 4 mm], which was connected to a conventional ventilator. Specifically, by introducing the suction tube into the distal left main bronchus through the endotracheal tube and blowing 100% oxygen, we achieved satisfactory oxygenation throughout the anastomotic process; and the blood CO2 partial pressure was also acceptable. The view of the anastomotic site was far less obstructed owing to the small diameter of the suction tube, and the anastomotic process was smooth and accurate. Postoperative recovery was good, and no stenosis of the reconstructed trachea was observed at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our technique proves to be safe and feasible for selected patients with tracheal tumors, and can be a practical choice for medical centers that are not equipped with HFJV or ECMO.

The procedure and effectiveness of release maneuvers in tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction.

Background: Surgical resection and reconstruction are effective and radical treatments for tracheal tumors. Tension-free, well-perfused anastomosis plays a crucial role in postoperative prognosis. The use of various release maneuvers may be required to minimize anastomotic tension. However, the detailed procedures and effectiveness of them are seldomly reported. In the current study, we demonstrated the procedures and advantages of various release maneuvers during tracheal resection and reconstruction. Methods: All patients who underwent tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction between January 2019 to December 2021 were included in the study. The patients underwent tracheal release maneuvers, including laryngeal suprahyoid, pericardial, hilar, and inferior pulmonary ligament releasing. The patients' clinical features, surgical procedures, complications and postoperative outcomes were also described. Results: A total of 67 patients received release maneuvers during tracheobronchial surgery. Males accounted for a greater proportion (46/67, 65.7%) of the cohort. The mean age was 44.4 years. Most lesions were located in the thoracic and cervical trachea (21/67 and 17/67, respectively), and 18 cases of carinal (9/67) and bronchial (9/67) lesions were also included. Inferior pulmonary ligament releasing was applied to most noncervical lesion patients (39/67). Two cases of thyroid carcinoma with tracheal invasion received laryngeal suprahyoid release maneuvers. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (26.9%) and squamous cell carcinoma (14.9%) were the most commonly seen malignancies. Postoperative bronchoscopy showed no anastomotic abnormalities, including ischemic change, necrosis, or dehiscence. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, ranging from 4 to 38 days. In the current study, a patient with postoperative aspiration had the longest hospital stay. In addition, 3 cases of anastomotic stenosis and laryngeal edema were observed. No other maneuver-related complications or particular discomforts were reported during the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Anastomosis is the key to successful tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction. Release maneuvers are recommended to facilitate tension-free anastomosis. In addition to simple neck flexion and paratracheal dissection, laryngeal, hilar, and pericardial releasing allow longer trachea to be resected and preservation of well-vascularized anastomosis. The release maneuvers showed acceptable effect and reliable safety without significant morbidity or mortality.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic tracheal resection with only endobronchial intubation.

We report a case of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) tracheal resection and running suture anastomosis with only endobronchial intubation in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The tumor extended 3.2 × 1.9 cm in the distal trachea, and the distance to carina was 2 cm. Running suture anastomosis around the endobronchial tube was performed. No cross-field intubation was needed. The postoperative course was good and no complication occurred. VATS tracheal resection and running suture anastomosis with only endobronchial intubation is a feasible option for patients with distal tracheal tumor.