Tracheomalacia

Chest Surg Clin N Am. 2003 May;13(2):349-57, viii. doi: 10.1016/s1052-3359(03)00036-x.

Abstract

Tracheomalacia is a rare tracheal problem that leads to collapse of the airway and expiratory flow obstruction. Expiratory CT scans are the diagnostic test of choice in adults. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the most common cause of adult tracheomalacia. Plication of the membranous wall to polypropylene mesh to recreate the normal airway shape (membranous wall tracheoplasty) is an effective treatment in adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Cartilage Diseases / complications*
  • Cartilage Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cartilage Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trachea / surgery
  • Tracheal Diseases / congenital
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tracheal Diseases / etiology
  • Tracheal Diseases / surgery