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Background: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with benign post-intubation tracheal stenosis considered as unfit for surgical treatment. Secondary objectives were: (I) to determine if clinical variables (gender, age, total treatment time, and type of tracheal device) could influence HRQL and (II) to compare the results with a normal standardized population., Methods: Prospective study between August-2014 and December-2016 including patients with tracheal stenosis treated with silicone stents, T-Tubes or tracheostomy. Candidates to airway resection and reconstruction were excluded from the analysis. HRQL was assessed with the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. Backward stepwise regression model analyzed the influence of clinical variables on the SF-36 domains and component summaries. Norm-based results were compared with normative data. Alpha error was 5%., Results: Ninety-three patients (62M/31F; mean age 38±14 years) were included. Mean overall HRQL in all 8 SF-36 domains was poor. Lowest scores were in the role physical (mean 31.7±38), bodily pain (mean 39.2±35), and role emotional domain (mean 48.7±40). The physical component summary (PCS) was more affected than the mental (P<0.001). Norm-based results indicated that most domains and both physical and mental summaries were below the mean for the USA normative population. Total stenting time significantly influenced the physical (P=0.001) and mental component summaries (P=0.001)., Conclusions: Quality of life of patients with benign tracheal stenosis is severely impaired, and norm-based results indicate that the HRQL is below normative data. Physical and mental discomfort seems to be attenuated by total treatment time., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) results from an abnormal communication between the posterior wall of the trachea or bronchi and the adjacent anterior wall of the esophagus. It can be acquired or congenital. The onset of the TEF has a negative impact on the patient's health status and quality of life because of swallowing difficulties, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, and severe weight loss. Several acquired conditions may cause TEF. The most frequent is prolonged orotracheal intubation (75% of the cases). Usually, there is an erosion of the tracheal and esophageal wall by the continuous pressure between the endotracheal tube and the esophageal wall; particularly in the presence of a nasogastric or feeding tube within the esophageal lumen. Furthermore, tracheal stenosis is often associated, and adds complexity to the disease. Preparation for the surgical procedure may take weeks or even months. It includes definitive weaning from mechanical ventilation, treatment of respiratory infection, physiotherapy, and correction of malnutrition through enteral feeding. Surgical repair of a TEF is an elective procedure. It consists of division of the fistula, suture of the esophagus and trachea and protection of the suture lines with a buttressed muscle flap. TEF repair is a complex and challenging procedure, thus, high morbidity and mortality are expected. Nonetheless, surgical management yields excellent long-term results, and it should be considered the first-line treatment for this condition. Definitive fistula closure occurs in about 90-95% of the cases., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Objective: Right main bronchial anatomy knowledge is essential to guide endoscopic stent placement in modern era. The aim is to describe right bronchial anatomy, cross-area and its relation with the right pulmonary artery and patient's age., Methods: One hundred thirty four cadaveric specimens were studied after approval by the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of São Paulo Medical School and Medical Forensic Institute of São Paulo. All necropsies were performed in natura after 24 hours of death and patients with previous pulmonary disease were excluded. Landmarks to start measurement were the first tracheal ring, vertex of carina, first right bronchial ring, and right pulmonary artery area over the right main bronchus. After mobilization, the specimens were measured using a caliper and measurement of distances was recorded in centimeters at landmarks points. All the measures (distances, cross sectional area and planes) were performed by three independent observers and recorded as mean, standard error and ranges. Student t test was used to compare means and linear regression was applied to correlate the measurements., Results: From 134 specimens studied, 34 were excluded (10 with previous history of pulmonary diseases, surgery or deformities and 24 of female gender). Linear regression showed proportionality between tracheal length and right bronchus length; with the area at first tracheal ring and carina and also between the cross sectional area at these points. Linear regression analysis between tracheal length and age (R=0.593 P<0.005), right bronchus length and age (R=0.523, P<0.005), area of contact between right bronchus and right pulmonary artery and age (R=0.35, P<0.005)., Conclusions: We can conclude that large airways grow progressively with increasing age in male gender. There was a direct correlation between age and tracheal length; as has age and right bronchus length. There was a direct correlation between age and the area of the right bronchus covered by the right pulmonary artery.