Objective: To retrospectively review the perioperative management for primary tracheal malignant tumors resected under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Methods: The data of 6 patients with primary tracheal malignant tumors who underwent surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass from December 1999 to August 2003 were reviewed. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through right femoral vessels in 2 patients for emergency operation, through right atrium and ascending aorta in 4 patients. Sleeve tracheal resections in 3 patients, carinal resections and carina reconstructions in 2, and local enucleation in 1 were performed. Respiratory airway was kept patent by coughing and expectorating sputum.
Results: All patients' dyspnea were relieved remarkably. The postoperative mechanic ventilation assistance lasted from 10 hours to 7 days. There was no perioperative mortality.
Conclusion: Resection of primary tracheal malignant tumors with severe tracheal obstruction under cardiopulmonary bypass is practicable. Keeping respiratory airway patent perioperatively is very important and helpful to postoperative recovery.