Advances in Airway Surgery

Dear Colleagues,

Although tracheostomy is an ancient technique (the first description was found in texts of two Greek physicians from the 2nd century: Galen and Aretaeus), tracheal surgery was the last subdivision of cardiothoracic surgery (nowadays, thoracic surgery) to evolve. Airway surgery is not just limited to tracheostomies and tracheal surgeries, but a historical perspective is important to frame the evolution of this surgical field. The boost for considerable advancement in airway surgery occurred with the emergence and refinement of mechanical ventilation and intubation with cuffed endotracheal tubes during the polio epidemic in the 1950s. Consequently, the increased incidence of injuries resulting from prolonged intubation provided extensive experience with resection and reconstruction of stenotic lesions and tracheal injuries.

Currently, airway surgery remains a challenging area. The evolution of techniques in airway surgery to improve medical outcomes has been impressive: in the early 1960s, it was thought that no more than 2 cm of the trachea could be removed, and nowadays, about half of the tracheal length can be safely removed and continuity restored by primary anastomosis. Although neoplastic curative surgery is the most common, involving the airway, many interventions are performed, such as treatments for strictures (idiopathic or iatrogenic), trauma corrections, and even laryngeal surgery in the context of gender affirmation surgery. All the underlying technical and medical evolution brings new horizons but also new challenges.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest techniques, technologies, clinical practices, and multidisciplinary approaches in airway surgery. Additionally, it intends to cover a wide range of topics and perspectives, ranging from pediatric airway surgery to adult reconstructive procedures. Finally, it aims to emphasize new materials and technologies for airway stenting, as well as breakthroughs in perioperative care that enhance patient safety and recovery.

Dr. Fernando J. Abelha
Guest Editor

Dr. Helder Pereira
Guest Editor Assistant

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• airway management
• airway surgery
• airway trauma
• minimally invasive airway surgery
• reconstruction
• airway stenosis
• pediatric airway
• endoscopic techniques
• surgical innovations