Thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy for tracheomalacia: A minimally invasive technique
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Nov 2018 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
This article describes a minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique for posterior tracheopexy to treat tracheomalacia, the most common congenital tracheal abnormality. The procedure involves suturing the membranous trachea to prevertebral fascia under bronchoscopic guidance, achieving immediate improvement in tracheal collapse with short hospital stays and no major complications.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Tracheomalacia is the most common congenital abnormality of the trachea. Posterior tracheopexy to alleviate posterior intrusion contributing to dynamic tracheal collapse has been reported using thoracotomy or median sternotomy. Here we describe the minimally invasive operative technique of thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy with bronchoscopic guidance.
Operative technique
After preoperative computed tomography and bronchoscopy, a right thoracoscopic approach is utilized. The esophagus is mobilized and the membranous trachea is sutured to the prevertebral fascia under direct bronchoscopic visualization. Immediate improvement in tracheal collapse is noted. No major complications are reported and length of stay is short. Aortopexy may also be required to address anterior vascular compression.
Conclusion
Thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy is safe and feasible. Further studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed to assess durability.