Anesthesia for resection of the trachea without its intubation

Introduction. Currently, there is a tendency for a number of post-intubation patients to develop post-tracheostomic cicatricial stenosis of the trachea. This dictates a need for the improvement of surgical and anaesthesiologic approaches to intubation management. Objective: Analysis of the specific parameters of anesthesia for cervical tracheal resection in patients with stenosis of the trachea without its intubation.

Subjects and methods. We analyzed 12 cases of circular resection of the trachea due to benign stenosis. The degree of anesthetic risk was as follows: 11 patients – ASA 3, 1 patient – ASA 4. Tracheal stenosis persisted for 14±6 months before it was resected (Me 4, Min 1, Max 67). The length of the resected part of the trachea was 27±3 mm (Me 25, Min 15, Max 40), duration of surgery – 159±9 min (Me 160, Min 65, Max 240). The anesthesia strategy included the insertion of the I-Gel supraglottic airway device with a jet ventilation catheter put through the I-Gel. Temporary stenting of the stenosis zone of the trachea before surgery (if necessary) instead of bougienate was an important component of the anesthesia strategy. Mandatory use of sedation (dexmedetomidine) is suggested before and within 12 hours after surgery.

Results. This strategy can be successfully implemented if the minimum diameter of the tracheal stenosis exceeds 7 mm (the jet ventilation catheter is necessary to be applied through this lumen and a fine bronchoscope used to monitor the state of the catheter tip). Preliminary stenting with metal stents was performed in 5 patients. The I-Gel lumen was wide enough to manipulate a flexible endoscope, a catheter guide was inserted for jet ventilation, and then the catheter itself was placed. The use of high-frequency ventilation mask it advisable to ensure adequate gas exchange at all stages of the surgery. Sedation with dexmedetomidine reduced the patient’s discomfort after the surgery due to the fixation of the patient’s head with stitches in a “nodding” position, which reduced anastomosis tension. In all 12 patients, this anesthesia strategy was successful and provided a more favorable environment for surgeons compared to the classical approach with the use of an endotracheal tube. In all patients, anastomosis healed by primary tension with no complications.

Conclusion. The use of a supraglottic airway device, dexmedetomidine, and temporary stenting of the stenotic part of the trachea allow the surgeon to avoid tracheal intubation during circular resection and expand the range of anesthesiological tools during tracheal surgery.

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