Minimal Invasive Approach in Severe Tracheobronchomalacia: Türkiye's First Case of Vats Tracheobronchoplasty

Tracheobronchomalacia is an expiratory collapse of the posterior wall of the trachea and at least one of the main bronchi. It may be idiopathic or may develop due to secondary causes. It results in a slowing of dynamic airflow and clinically presents with dyspnea, cough, and pneumonia. Although tracheal stents provide temporary relief in treatment, considering the problems encountered during the chronic phase, endobronchial therapy does not offer a long-term solution. Tracheobronchoplasty is a surgical treatment option. Examination of the few cases reported in the literature shows that, in centers with adequate video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) experience, this procedure, which is frequently performed via right thoracotomy, can be effectively performed using minimally invasive techniques. A 66-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea. Severe tracheomalacia was detected, and tracheoplasty was performed using VATS. The present study aims to describe the first VATS tracheobronchoplasty procedure in Türkiye.

Keywords: Thoracoscopy, tracheomalacia, tracheoplasty