S182 – A Modified Collar for Post-Tracheal Resection Immobilization

Abstract

Objectives

1) Determine the possible use of a modified cervical collar as an effective immobilization technique post tracheal resection. 2) Demonstrate the use of this alternate technique in clinical practice.

Methods

2 patients requiring tracheal resection for tracheal stenosis were identified as having been placed in an Aspen cervical collar brace with modification in the postoperative period to keep the patient's neck immobilized and flexed. Cervical collar braces usually keep a patient's neck in constant extension, but with our modifications, we keep the neck in constant flexion. This method was used in lieu of the traditional ‘chin stitch’ to relieve tension on the tracheal anastamosis in the immediate postoperative period. Patients were assessed during the inpatient postoperative period for comfort level, pain, and mobility in the collar. Patients were followed up as outpatients to evaluate tracheal patency.

Results

Both patients utilized the cervical collar for the duration of their inpatient stay. One patient had some complaints of difficulty breathing and increased anxiety due to the collar. Overall, both patients found the collar tolerable and denied any pain due to the collar. Patients were followed after discharge from the hospital in the outpatient clinic, and neither patient had evidence of restenosis at 2-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Though more research needs to be conducted, this approach represents a possibly more comfortable, yet still effective, method of tracheal immobilization status post-resection as compared to the traditional ‘chin stitch.’