LAUSR

In the last years several treatments for tracheomalacia have been reported. However, management of this entity is still a complex matter. This study presents a case diagnosed of severe proximal tracheomalacia managed by external tracheal resorbable plates. A seven-year-old child was tracheostomized in the neonatal period in relation to severe generalized tracheomalacia in association with swallowing incoordination and recurrent respiratory infections. Data to point out of his personal history were prematurity, a mosaic type genetic anomaly, cognitive and development impairment, and bilateral hypoacusia. After improvement of the neurological status and his feeding and swallow problems he was evaluated by the Airway Unit of our centre. Dynamic transnasal flexible laryngotracheobronchoscopy showed severe tracheomalacia. The collapse was 100% in the proximal airway (from the subglotis to the middle part of the trachea) and decannulation was not possible. Given the extent, localization, and proximity of the tracheomalacia to the vocal cords a surgical approach with external bioresorbable plates was indicated. By a transcervical approach, dissection of the larynx and cervical trachea was carried out. Two 2.5 cm multiperforated plates of ‘poly [L-lactide-co-glycolide] copolymer’ were modeled and fixed to the anteromedial laryngotracheal surface. Direct intraoperative endoscopy defined the proper location to fix the plates and showed significant improvement of the collapse thanks to the rigidification of the airway. Three weeks after the procedure endoscopic control was realized and the patient was successfully decannulated. He remains asymptomatic with a 6 months follow-up. No complications were reported. Extraluminal stabilization with resorbable plates can be a safe and effective option for selected patients with localized tracheomalacias. It represents a valid alternative for the management of this complex entity.