COVID-19-Related Post-Intubation Tracheal Stenosis. Prospective Study of its Surgical Treatment

Introduction: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a significant public health issue. 5 % of the patients required endotracheal intubation due to acute hypox emic respiratory failure, leading to an increased number of consultations for tracheal stenosis. This work was done with the aim of presenting the results of tracheal resection in patients with post-COVID-19 stenosis. Material and methods: Analytical, prospective, observational study. 11 patients were included. The preoperative and postoperative evaluation was the same for all patients. Post-surgical ventilation and phonation were assessed up to 30 days. The Clavien and Dindo classification was used to grade post-surgical complications, with follow-up extended up to 60 post-surgical days. Statistical analysis: the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results. Results: 27.2 % of the patients had postoperative complications. The comparison of pre- and postoperative ventilation (p < 0.05) was statistically significant, with improve ment in the postoperative period. When comparing pre- and postoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy (tracheal lumen diameter), the result was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results obtained are similar to those expressed in the literature. Tra cheal resection is a safe and effective procedure and should be considered as first-line treatment for tracheal stenosis.