To estimate procedures of airway management during tracheal resection and reconstruction.

We retrospective reviewed patients with tracheal tumor undergoing tracheal resection and reconstruction during past twelve years. A total of 39 patients were enrolled, including 30 patients with primary tumor and 9 cases of secondary tumor. The procedure of airway managements was conducted according to medical history, clinical symptom, radiographic and fiberoptic bronchoscope results, tumor size, and the level of tracheal obstruction. Orotracheal intubation, tracheotomy, laryngeal mask, and extracorporeal circulation were applied according to individual assessments. Pearson′s Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables.

Procedures of surgery and incubation were succeeded in all 39 cases. Intraoperative suboptimal oxygenation (SpO₂<90%) was detected in only 4 patients with lower tracheal tumor (χ²=9.140, P<0.05). Extracorporeal circulation was conducted on one case of severe tracheal obstruction. All the rest of patients were extubated after anesthetic resuscitation immediately with no complications.

Airway management is an important basis for tracheal resection and reconstruction. The selection of the most appropriate airway should be personalized according to pre-operative conditions, which contributes to effective incubation and treatment outcomes.

Tracheal tumor; Airway management; Extracorporeal circulation; Video-assisted thoracic surgery