A tracheobronchoplasty is a surgical procedure performed at limited medical facilities across the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
.
It consists of a
thoracic surgery during which mesh is sutured to the outside of the patient's trachea through a series of hundreds of knots. These
sutures are in turn pulled taught which subsequently 'opens' the collapsed tissue in the
trachea
The trachea (: tracheae or tracheas), also known as the windpipe, is a cartilaginous tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs, allowing the passage of air, and so is present in almost all animals' lungs. The trachea extends from ...
l wall creating an opening with which to process air. The hope is eventually, this 'scaffolding' of sorts will scar over thereby strengthening the structure and making it permanent.
Recovery time is typically six to nine months and the patient should see gradual improvement in voice control, reduced coughing and an increased ability to move air more effectively. Not all patients with
tracheobronchomalacia
Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a condition characterized by flaccidity of the vertebrate trachea, tracheal support cartilage which leads to tracheal collapse. This condition can also affect the bronchi. There are two forms of this condition: prima ...
can be considered candidates for this procedure. However, it does offer an alternative for those patients who are unable to tolerate the more traditional
stent
In medicine, a stent is a tube usually constructed of a metallic alloy or a polymer. It is inserted into the Lumen (anatomy), lumen (hollow space) of an anatomic vessel or duct to keep the passageway open.
Stenting refers to the placement of ...
therapy.
References
{{Respiratory system procedures
Thoracic surgical procedures