Recent advances in video-assisted transthoracic tracheal resection followed by reconstruction under non-intubated anesthesia with spontaneous breathing

Tracheal resection followed by reconstruction is one of the most difficult procedures in the field of thoracic surgery. Right thoracotomy performed via a posterolateral incision is selected for middle and lower tracheal resection under general anesthesia. In order to develop a novel less invasive surgical procedure, it is necessary to devise methods to keep the operating field clear and to use better methods of anesthesia. Thoracic surgeons have attempted to improve surgical techniques, the approach, and methods of anesthesia in order to minimize the trauma to the patient and to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, including respiratory complications.