OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experiences in treating primary tracheal tumors by surgery.

METHODSThe clinical data concerning 70 surgically treated patients between 1968 and 2001 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThere were 39 sleeve tracheal resections, 13 carinal resections, 10 lateral tracheal wall resections, 5 local enucleations, and 1 pneumonectomy. The tumors in 2 patients were unresectable. The morbidity rate was 31% (22/70) and operative 30-day mortality for resection with primary reconstruction was 8% (4/52). The tumors were benign in 14 and malignant in 56 cases. The most common malignant tumors were adenoidcystic carcinoma (45%) and squamous cell carcinoma (23%). The cases of benign tracheal tumors were followed up for an average of 5.7 years. After resection for malignant tumors, the overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 64% (21/33) and 54% (14/26), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSurgical resection is the most effective treatment of tracheal tumors. Tracheal resection and reconstruction is the treatment of choice for primary tracheal tumors. Benign tumors should be resected conservatively with preservation of tracheal parenchyma. The reduction of operative complications are key points of good surgical results.