slide tracheoplasty
A surgical technique for congenital tracheal stenosis in which the stenotic segment is divided transversely at its midpoint and the two ends are opened longitudinally and slid together, effectively widening the tracheal lumen.
Full Definition
Slide tracheoplasty has largely replaced earlier techniques such as pericardial patch tracheoplasty as the preferred repair for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis. The procedure bisects the stenotic segment, makes anterior and posterior longitudinal incisions in the upper and lower halves respectively, and anastomoses the resulting flaps to create a wider, shorter trachea. It is typically performed on cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates and infants. In manuscripts, 'tracheoplasty' alone is an insufficiently specific term and should be qualified; editors should query authors who use the unqualified form in the context of congenital tracheal stenosis repair.
Usage
Usage note: Do not shorten to 'tracheoplasty' without qualification in specialist copy. Confirm with authors whether cardiopulmonary bypass was used, as this detail is clinically significant.
In Context
- "The infant underwent slide tracheoplasty on cardiopulmonary bypass at 6 weeks of age with an uncomplicated postoperative course." — Paediatric cardiac surgery case report
- "Current consensus favours slide tracheoplasty over pericardial patch repair for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis." — Systematic review on congenital airway surgery