Cricotracheal Resection in a Patient with Severe Subglottic Stenosis - Advantages of a Temporary Non-Cannulated Tracheostomy

Abstract

Background: Stenosis in the area of the cricotrachealsegment is still a challenging problem to be dealt with.Post-intubational cases mark an increase in recent yearsdue to the advances in intensive care, thoracic surgeryand neurosurgery departments.Case Report: This paper describes a case report ofa patient with severe subglottic stenosis (grade IIIaccording to the Cotton-Myer scale), introduces anew option in cricotracheal resections - postoperativetemporary non-cannulated tracheostomy and describesits advantages.Conclusion: This variation of classical operativetechniques provides additional fixation of the trachea,thus relieving any transitory tension on the anastomosis;acts as a valve and decreases the air-pressure in theupper airways during coughing and sneezing in the postoperativeperiod; and is an easy access point for videotracheoscopy of the anastomosis.