Segmental Tracheal Resection for Thyroid Cancer: Perioperative Morbidity, Locoregional Control, and Survival

Authors

Anastasios Maniakas
David C Wilde
Isabelle Fournier
Emily K Hyde
Li Xu
Jennifer R Wang
Neil D Gross
Erich M Sturgis
Victoria Banuchi
Naifa L Busaidy
Maria E Cabanillas
Priyanka Iyer
Ramona Dadu
Steven G Waguespack
Mimi I Hu
G Brandon Gunn
Michael Kwon
Salmaan Ahmed
Michelle D Williams
Mark E Zafereo

Language

English

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Journal

Head & Neck

DOI

10.1002/hed.70045

PMID

41059669

PMCID

PMC12891758

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

10-8-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Segmental tracheal resection is rarely needed for advanced thyroid cancer but is among the most complex, high-risk thyroid surgeries.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing segmental tracheal resection for thyroid cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005-2024).

Results: We identified 120 patients with a median follow-up of 4.6 years (range 0.02-16.38). Papillary thyroid cancer was most common (68%). The median number of tracheal rings resected was 4 (range 1-9). Seventeen (14%) patients had a new tracheostomy placed at the time of surgery, with 11 (9%) remaining trach-dependent at last follow-up. Twenty-six (22%) patients had a return to the operating room within 30 days, while 3 (3%) patients suffered perioperative mortality. The more common postoperative complications included tracheostomy tube placement (10%), hematoma (7%), and anastomotic air leak (6%). Median hospitalization was 6 days (range 2-67). Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 79% and 77% at 5 years, respectively.

Conclusions: Segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer is technically complex and high-risk, but most patients stay recurrence-free 5 years post-surgery.

Keywords

Humans, Thyroid Neoplasms, Male, Female, Retrospective Studies, Middle Aged, Adult, Aged, Trachea, Postoperative Complications, Thyroidectomy, Tracheostomy, Aged, 80 and over, Young Adult, Follow-Up Studies, Treatment Outcome, anaplastic, follicular, medullary, papillary thyroid cancer, poorly differentiated, segmental tracheal resection

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Maniakas, Anastasios; Wilde, David C; Fournier, Isabelle; et al., "Segmental Tracheal Resection for Thyroid Cancer: Perioperative Morbidity, Locoregional Control, and Survival" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 6725.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/6725