Does Successful Segmental Tracheal Resection Require Releasing Maneuvers?

Tracheal resection is a well-established option for the management of airway stenosis. Releasing maneuvers have been described to reduce anastomotic tension. The aim of this study is to report on a series of tracheal resections performed without the use of these maneuvers. Retrospective chart review. Tertiary hospital. All patients undergoing tracheal resection by the first author over a 6-year period were reviewed. Patients (n = 17; 7 men and 10 women, ages 23–76) were managed with tracheal resection and anastomosis without stenting or postoperative tracheotomy. 16/17 (94%) patients had successful treatment of their stenosis. 1/17 (6%) failed and 1/17 (6%) required dilation. There was no postoperative swallowing dysfunction. Segmental tracheal resection without releasing maneuvers was successful in 16/17 (94%) patients. Though extrapolation from this series may be limited, future practitioners may consider forgoing additional releasing maneuvers for tracheal resection in many cases.