Introduction Print Section Listen Endobronchial lesions are caused by a variety of benign and malignant disease processes. When such lesions obstruct the central airways, trachea, or mainstem bronchi, they quickly…

Introduction Print Section Listen Rarely, locally extensive but nonmetastatic cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract require resection. Cancers of the larynx, cervical trachea, hypopharynx, cervical esophagus, and thyroid can be…

Introduction Print Section Listen Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. In 2011, there were an estimated 221,000 new…

Introduction Print Section Listen The use of cricotracheal resection in the treatment of cancer is rare owing to the rarity of cancers of the subglottis and their lack of confinement…

Introduction Print Section Listen Upper airway tumors encompass a wide variety of epithelial and soft tissue neoplasms that are relatively rare and usually malignant. Squamous cell and adenoid cystic carcinomas…

Introduction Print Section Listen The need for tracheal resection and reconstruction arises with airway obstruction (<5 mm luminal diameter) secondary to postintubation stenosis, primary or secondary benign or malignant tumors,…

Introduction Print Section Listen Visualization of the airways for diagnosis or treatment can involve the use of either flexible or rigid bronchoscopes. Flexible bronchoscopes generally are used for evaluation and…

Introduction Print Section Listen Tracheal resection is performed most commonly for benign disorders. The primary indication is fibrotic stenosis, whether idiopathic, traumatic, or postintubation. Occasionally, tracheal resection is indicated for…

Introduction Print Section Listen A number of benign and malignant disorders of the upper airways can cause tracheobronchial narrowing, stricture, compression, or collapse (i.e., tracheobronchial malacia), ultimately leading to symptomatic…