The Use of Lesion Localization Needles in Tracheal Resection

Objective We propose the use of a localization needle (X‐Reidy Lesion Localization needle ) to mark the position of tracheal lesions under direct vision. We believe this technique allows an accurate way of localizing difficult tracheal lesions. Method X‐Reidy Localization single needle is generally used to localize non‐palpable breast lesions prior to surgical excision. We place the wire through the skin and into the tracheal lumen using suspension laryngoscopy and supraglottic jet ventilation technique at the beginning of the procedure. Results Lesions obstructing the trachea can often be difficult to diagnose and can masquerade as asthma or chronic bronchitis. When the lesion is found to be malignant or definitive surgery is appropriate for benign lesions we perform tracheal resection and defining the portion of the trachea to excise is imperative. This method allows us to dissect down directly onto the portion of the trachea from which the lesion arose, which is not always clinically obvious from the external approach. Conclusion Tumors of the upper airway are most often malignant, although in themselves are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all malignancies. Among the inflammatory strictures, postintubation injuries remain common in developed countries. This method of localizing tracheal lesions, we believe is of benefit to the surgeon.