Segmental Tracheal Resection for Thyroid Cancer: Perioperative Morbidity, Locoregional Control, and Survival

TL;DR

This study examines the outcomes of a complex thyroid cancer surgery involving tracheal resection, finding it high-risk but with reasonable long-term success.

Contribution

The study provides detailed outcomes data on segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer, including morbidity and survival rates.

Findings

Segmental tracheal resection was performed in 120 patients with advanced thyroid cancer.

Perioperative complications were common, including tracheostomy tube placement and anastomotic air leak.

Five-year locoregional control and overall survival rates were 79% and 77%, respectively.

Abstract

Segmental tracheal resection is rarely needed for advanced thyroid cancer but is among the most complex, high‐risk thyroid surgeries.

Retrospective study of patients undergoing segmental tracheal resection for thyroid cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005–2024).

We identified 120 patients with a median follow‐up of 4.6 years (range 0.02–16.38). Papillary thyroid cancer was most common (68%). The median number of tracheal rings resected was 4 (range 1–9). Seventeen (14%) patients had a new tracheostomy placed at the time of surgery, with 11 (9%) remaining trach‐dependent at last follow‐up. Twenty‐six (22%) patients had a return to the operating room within 30 days, while 3 (3%) patients suffered perioperative mortality. The more common postoperative complications included tracheostomy tube placement (10%), hematoma (7%), and anastomotic air leak (6%). Median hospitalization was 6 days (range 2–67). Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 79% and 77% at 5 years, respectively.

Segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer is technically complex and high‐risk, but most patients stay recurrence‐free 5 years post‐surgery.

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