Anesthetic challenges in tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery

Objective: Tracheal stenosis is usually iatrogenic, a result of an accident or due to tracheal tumors. Anesthesia for tracheal resection and reconstruction is a challenging job and requires expertise. The crux of anesthetic management is securing the airway early and maintenance of ventilation and oxygenation during resection and reconstruction. This study is aimed to share the anesthetic management and outcome of 21 cases of tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery for tracheal stenosis. Methodology: This prospective, descriptive study was carried out at PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi and Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi between October 2014 and July 2018. All 21 patients undergoing tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery for tracheal stenosis at these centers were enrolled. Informed consent was obtained from all patients and institutional ethics committee approval was secured. The site of tracheal stenosis, type of anesthesia used, ventilation and oxygenation before and during resection and anastomosis of trachea and the type of surgery and the outcome was noted. The data were collected in MS Excel sheet and simple statistical analysis done to present the results. Results: Out of 21 patients, 9 (43%) were males and 12 (57%) were females, between 6 to 66 years of age of ASA II-IV. Post intubation stenosis was the leading cause of stenosis followed by tumor, trauma and corrosive ingestion. Fourteen patients had high cervical / subglottic stenosis and were operated by high anterior cervical collar incision, while five had lower tracheal lesions, and 2 had carinal lesion and were operated by right thoracotomy. Seven patients were anesthetized through tracheostomy tube, one by fiberoptic intubation, and the rest with 5-7 mm ETT with or without muscle relaxant. One patient developed cardiac arrest during surgery, but was revived successfully. Four (19%) out of 21 had to be put on ventilator postoperatively while remaining 17 (89%) were extubated on operating table. Two patients on ventilator were weaned of successfully. Outcome was excellent in 19 (90%) cases while in 2 (10%) patients, operation was unsuccessful and they landed up with permanent tracheostomy. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of prevention of post-intubation tracheal stenosis with strict vigilance and high quality professional nursing care. Thorough preoperative assessment and preparation, intra operative management, a backup plan and close communication between the surgeon and anesthesiologist are necessary for successful outcome. Most of these patients require general anesthesia and profound relaxation.