[100 years resection of the complete trachea]

Extended tracheal resections

There is no universally valid definition of the extent of tracheal resections that would be considered "extended." Underlying disease, necessary length of resection, anatomic localization, and chosen surgical approach account for a manifold interdependency. Existing data suggest a "cutoff margin" of 4 cm or more, referring to the likelihood of complications and necessity of additional mobilization maneuvers. This overview outlines worldwide experiences and the surgical variety of possibilities, as well as their execution and appropriate use.