34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Tracheostomy is mainly used as a surgical procedure to restore respiratory function after obstruction of the upper airway. However, it has also been described as a diagnostic procedure to evaluate laryngeal function or less commonly as a surgical approach to access of lower or upper airway.

Methods:

A 10-year-old warmblood mare was referred to the clinic for assessment of a left ethmoid hematoma. The owner reported intermittent epistaxis for at least 6 months and recurrence after formaldehyde injection. CT-scan revealed an extensive mass within the left nasal cavity without extension into the sinuses.

Results:

A tracheostomy was performed on the standing horse under sedanalgesia. A tracheostomy was performed. A flexible endoscope and a laryngeal forceps were easily introduced via the tracheostomy and advanced rostrally to the level of nasal septum allowing a clear visualization of the caudal border of the hematoma. The mass was grasped using forceps and its margins were resected with a transendoscopic diode laser. Then the entire hematoma was isolated in one piece, and completely removed via the tracheotomy. The mare recovered uneventfully and remission was observed at follow-up endoscopy 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Tracheostomy can be an interesting and straight forward approach for tumor removal from the nasal cavity.