Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lower trachea treated by resection of 11 of 18 rings of the total length: report of a case

We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lower trachea treated by resection of 11 of the 18 cartilaginous rings (61 %) of the total length. The little remaining membranous portion of the carina was sewn up to create a margin for anastomosis. The anastomotic sites could be approximated by the mobilization of the cervical trachea and the left main bronchus, pulling across the traction sutures, and anteflexion of the neck. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful without any complications associated with anastomosis. Because both the proximal and distal margins showed microscopic tumors, radiation therapy was performed with 50 Gy 2 months after surgery. The patient has a good social life without recurrence 20 months after surgery.