Surgical outcome of slide tracheoplasty in patients with long congenital segment tracheal stenosis and single lung.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess the surgical outcome of slide tracheoplasty in patients with congenital tracheal stenosis and single lung.

METHODS: Pre, intra- and postoperative data were collected. Anatomy and associated anomalies were described.

RESULTS: Seven patients (median age 5 months; range 39 days-1 year) with single lung underwent slide tracheoplasty. Single right lung was present in four patients. Associated anomalies were present in four patients (56%) including vascular ring, left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling, VACTERL (abnormalities of the vertebrae, anus, cardiovascular tree, trachea, oesophagus, renal system, and limb buds) syndrome, atrial septal defect (ASD) and aberrant left subclavian artery. Six patients (85%) needed preoperative ventilation and two (28%) needed preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Median postoperative ventilation was 7 days (6-35 days). Two patients needed postoperative ECMO, one of whom required preoperative ECMO. Complications occurred in five patients (71%): reintubation due to pneumothorax, pneumonia and several tracheal dilatations due to recurrent tracheal stenosis, which was eventually stented. There was one hospital death in a patient, who could not be weaned off ECMO due to severe distal malacia. At a median follow-up of 16 months (7 days-7 years), all survivors are in good clinical condition and without additional stenting.

CONCLUSION: Slide tracheoplasty can be performed in patients with single lung and tracheal stenosis with a good surgical outcome.