[Early and long-term results following tracheal segment resection].

We analysed the medical records of 41 patients who had undergone sleeve resection of the trachea for cicatricial stenosis of the airway at least 1 year previously. An attempt was made with the aid of a questionnaire and follow-up examination to determine the long-term results of these patients. Thirty-two of the patients were available for review. In 22 patients, respiration at rest and during exertion was adequate. Six patients had dyspnoea under stress due to a medical cause, or it was not possible to assess respiration under conditions of exertion. In 2 patients in whom a very long segment of the trachea had been resected, a recurrent tracheal stenosis had led to dyspnoea on exertion, although respiration at rest was adequate. Two patients had to undergo further surgery for dyspnoea at rest. In both patients, in addition to the stenosis of the trachea, narrowing of the glottis caused by paralysis of the vocal cords in the paramedian position was also present. Overall the results of tracheal sleeve resection were good. The great advantage of this method in comparison with other procedures is the fact that a stenosis of the trachea can be eliminated in a single operation with a high chance of success.