Anomalies of the Trachea

Tracheal anomalies are rare entities and experience managing these anomalies is consequently limited and widely dispersed. TL can be divided into congenital and acquired anomalies. Among the first ones, tracheomalacia (TM) is the most frequent, and can be primary or associated with other conditions such as esophageal atresia. Although tracheomalacia is a cause of many respiratory symptoms, possibly severe up to death, indications, and types of treatment are not universally accepted. Among the treatments, aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy are the most effective. Internal stents are burdened by a significant rate of morbidity. Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS), laryngotracheoesophageal clefts, tracheal webs, and tracheal agenesis are rare. Other congenital tracheal malformations such as tracheoesophageal fistula are described in other chapters of this book. Even if an embryological model explaining congenital tracheal anomalies remains elusive, it has been noted, as these are frequently associated with other mediastinal anomalies due to the intimate embryological development of the trachea, esophagus, and cardiovascular system. Acquired anomalies are usually represented by stenosis secondary to intubations and trauma or extrinsic compressions from mediastinal masses, as neoplasms or bronchogenic cysts.