Posterior Graft Laryngotracheal Reconstruction for Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis in a Resource-Limited Setting: Building a Replicable Airway Reconstruction Program in Eldoret, Kenya

ImportanceBilateral vocal cord paralysis is a challenging problem to manage in adults, and a known complication of thyroid surgery which is more common in resource-limited settings. Posterior graft laryngotracheal reconstruction is a management option that has not been studied in this population or setting.ObjectiveTo report the surgical outcomes of posterior graft laryngotracheal reconstruction for bilateral vocal cord paralysis in a resource-limited setting, and to evaluate the efficacy of a hybrid system for teaching this technique in Kenya.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary public referral hospital, Eldoret, KenyaParticipantsAdults >18 years with tracheostomy dependence secondary to bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroid surgery or other iatrogenesis. The hybrid training program included Kenyan surgeons and surgical trainees.Intervention or ExposuresPosterior graft laryngotracheal reconstruction and hybrid training system included didactic lectures, simulation-based training, case discussion and planning, and live cases.Main Outcomes MeasuresOne-year airway outcomes measured by achievement of tracheostomy decannulation, and self-reported surgeon knowledge and skill acquisition.ResultsTen patients met criteria and were included in the analysis, with mean age 42 years (range 30-62 years) and had been tracheostomy dependent for an average of 6 years (range 1-12 years). Seven (70%) had open reconstruction, and 3 (30%) had endoscopic reconstruction. All were decannulated and remained tracheostomy-free at 1 year. Three surgeons and 7 trainees participated in the hybrid teaching methods. All reported increased comfort in laryngotracheal reconstruction, with all 3 surgeons reporting comfort performing the surgeries independently.ConclusionPosterior graft laryngotracheal reconstruction shows promise as a potential method of treating bilateral vocal cord paralysis and achieving decannulation in a resource-limited setting.RelevanceThe methods reported in this study lend themselves to replication and expansion to other similar settings. The authors plan to replicate this work in other centers in East Africa.