Laryngotracheal resection can be performed safely without a guardian Chin stitch-a single-centre experience including 165 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES: A tension-free anastomosis is crucial to minimize the risk of airway complications after laryngotracheal surgery. The 'guardian' chin stitch is placed to prevent hyperextension of the neck in the early postoperative period. This manoeuvre was introduced early in tracheal surgery and is now routinely performed by many airway surgeons. However, the evidence for or against is sparse. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients receiving a (laryngo-)tracheal resection at our department from October 2011 to December 2019. According to our institutional standard, none of the patients received a chin stitch. Instead, a head cradle was used to obtain anteflexion of the neck during the first 3 days and patients were instructed to avoid hyperextension of the neck during the hospital stay. The postoperative outcome and the rate of anastomotic complications were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 165 consecutive patients were included in this study. Median age at surgery was 53 years (18-80). Seventy-four patients received a tracheal resection, 24 a cricotracheal resection, 52 an extended cricotracheal resection including dorsal mucosectomy and 15 a single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction. The median resection length was 25mm (range 10-55 mm). One hundred and sixtytwo out of 165 (98.2%) patients had an unremarkable postoperative course. One patient (0.6%) had partial anastomotic rupture after a traumatic reintubation, which required revision surgery and re-anastomosis. Two patients (1.2%) after previous radiation therapy (>60 Gy) developed a partial necrosis of the anastomosis, resulting in prolonged airleak and fistulation. At follow-up, bronchoscopy 3 months after surgery, 92.7% (127/137) of the patients had a proper anastomosis, 6.6% (9/137) had minor granuloma formations at the site of the anastomosis, which were all treated successfully by endoscopic removal. One patient received dilatation for restenosis (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: After sufficient mobilization of the central airways, postoperative anteflexion of the neck supported by a head cradle is sufficient to prevent excessive anastomotic tension and dehiscence. Considering the risk for severe neurological complications associated with the chin stitch, the routine use of this manoeuvre in laryngotracheal surgery should not be recommended.