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Fundamentals of Airway Surgery Part II: An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics

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Fundamentals of Airway Surgery Part II An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery 28)

Fundamentals of Airway Surgery, Part II, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery Book 28)

by Scott Hollenbeck

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Language	:	English
File size	:	105756 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	547 pages

Airway surgery is a complex and challenging field that requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the airway. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of airway surgery, including the latest techniques and best practices.

Anatomy of the Airway

The airway is a complex system of organs and tissues that allows for the passage of air into and out of the lungs. The upper airway includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, and larynx. The lower airway includes the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

The trachea is a long, cylindrical tube that extends from the larynx to the carina. The carina is the point where the trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi. The main bronchi then divide into smaller and smaller bronchi until they reach the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Physiology of the Airway

The airway is responsible for several important functions, including:

* Filtering and warming inspired air * Humidifying inspired air * Protecting the lungs from foreign bodies and pathogens * Producing sound

The airway is lined with a layer of mucus that helps to trap foreign bodies and pathogens. The mucus is produced by glands in the lining of the airway and is moved up and down the airway by the action of the cilia, which are tiny hairs that line the airway.

Pathology of the Airway

There are a number of different conditions that can affect the airway, including:

* Airway stenosis * Airway trauma * Airway tumors

Airway stenosis is a narrowing of the airway that can make it difficult to breathe. Airway stenosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Scarring from previous surgery or injury * Tumors * Inflammation

Airway trauma can occur as a result of a variety of injuries, including:

* Blunt trauma * Penetrating trauma * Thermal trauma

Airway tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis of Airway Disorders

The diagnosis of airway disorders is based on a combination of the patient's history, physical examination, and imaging studies.

The patient's history may include questions about:

* Symptoms of airway obstruction, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing * Previous history of airway surgery or injury * Exposure to risk factors for airway disorders, such as smoking or air pollution

The physical examination may include:

* Inspection of the airway for signs of obstruction or inflammation * Auscultation of the airway for wheezes or other abnormal sounds * Palpation of the airway for masses or other abnormalities

Imaging studies that may be used to diagnose airway disorders include:

* Chest X-ray * Computed tomography (CT) scan * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Treatment of Airway Disorders

The treatment of airway disorders depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. Treatment options may include:

* Medications * Surgery * Radiation therapy * Chemotherapy

Medications may be used to treat airway disorders that are caused by inflammation or infection. Surgery may be necessary to treat airway disorders that are caused by obstruction or trauma. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used to treat airway tumors.

Airway surgery is a complex and challenging field that requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the airway. In this article, we have discussed the fundamentals of airway surgery, including the latest techniques and best practices. This article is an essential resource for thoracic surgeons and other healthcare professionals involved in airway management.