Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients who were operated for PETS between June 2012 and June 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients’ postoperative complications and prognostic factors affecting mortality were examined.
Results: There was 11 female (44%) and 14 male (56%) patients. Eight patients (32%) had comorbidities. The mean prolonged intubation time was 47.4 ± 55.0 minutes. Eight patients (32%) developed postoperative morbidity. The main prognostic factors associated with morbidity were the length of the stenotic area and the presence of endocrine and respiratory comorbidities (p<0.05). Tracheal fistulae were observed in 2 patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 8% (n=2). One patient with fistula died on postoperative day 2, while another patient died at postoperative three months due to cardiac failure. No significant factor was identified in relation to the development of tracheal fistulae.
Conclusions:The most important factor associated with complications was the presence of endocrine comorbidities. Although tracheal surgery results in high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality, we believe these risks can be reduced by experienced surgeons and appropriate patient selection.
Keywords : tracheal stenosis, postintubation, surgery