PEDIATRIC AND ADULT TRACHEOBRONCHOMALACIA

Twelve cases of tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) cases were reviewed: five were pediatric, and seven were adult, two of which were due to relapsi ng polychondritis (RPC). In pediatric TBM, the mala cic segments were short. Resection of the malacic segment in one case and laryngotracheo plasty with autologous costal cartilage in one case were unsuccessful. However, aortopexy gained good results. Two cases managed conservativ ely experienced gradual improvement of their symptoms. In adult TBM, p lication of pars membranacea was not effective in one case. The insert ion of a stent was minimally effective in one case, and distinctly in one polychondritic case, The other four cases managed conservatively h ave deteriorated gradually. From these findings, a new classification system is proposed.