Bronchi and trachea surgery is a medical procedure that is used to treat diseases affecting the bronchus and trachea or to remove tumors that could obstruct the air passage. Bronchi are a part of the respiratory tract, two air pipes that conduct the air into the lung. The main bronchi function is conducting the air into the lungs as there is no gas exchange taking place in the bronchi. The bronchi bronchioles are the smaller airways that conduct the air into the lung’s walls where the oxygen is absorbed by the blood cells.

There are several diseases that may affect both trachea and bronchi. While some of them may be treated with topical medication, others require surgery. Here are some of the conditions that can affect the bronchus.
Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchi which may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Acute bronchitis may lead to a serious form of broncho-pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by repeated acute episodes and it can accompany chronic diseases of the lung or even heart. Chronic bronchitis may provoke changes in the structure of the bronchus and may atrophy with weakening of the bronchial walls. In most cases, this condition is caused by bacterial infections but it also results after prolonged exposure to cold which is thought to lower resistance against infection. Bronchitis is treated with antibiotics and it does not require surgery.

Bronchiestasis is the dilatation of a bronchus which may be caused by chronic bronchitis and which is usually cured with surgery. It is one of the obstructive lung diseases along with emphysema, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. It causes dilated and inflamed bronchus which is at risk to collapse. Bronchiestasis result in the obstruction of the airflow and impaired clearance of secretions. It is mostly caused by infections with Staphylococcus, Klebsiella or Bordetella pertussis. Treatment consists in controlling the infections and bronchial secretions in order to remove the obstructions. Bronchiestasis may also be treated by surgery. Surgery of the trachea and bronchi includes in this case the removal of the affected portion of the lung or the artery embolism to prevent complications. Surgery is especially used in cases where the bronchiestasis is localized so removing obstructions prevents the progression of the condition and further complications.

Surgery of the trachea and bronchi is usually performed when the airways are obstructed by various causes. Surgery is also done to remove tumors that may appear in the trachea or bronchi. Primary tumors are less likely to affect these arts of the body but secondary tumors, especially carcinomas are more frequent. The most common type of surgery performed on trachea is called tracheostomy. Temporary tracheostomies are performed in emergency cases and as a short term type of therapy. Permanent tracheostomies are used in patients with severe laryngeal collapse, neoplasia and laryngeal paralysis. Tracheal resection anastomosis is another type of surgery involving trachea and bronchi which is used in treating neoplasia. Also tracheoplasties are performed in cases of collapsing tracheas.

Bronchi and trachea surgery are thus performed as procedures to remove foreign objects or tumors that obstruct the airflow.