Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia in children: pathophysiology, assessment, treatment and anaesthesia management

Abstract

Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia are becoming increasingly well recognized. Although pathologically benign conditions, they are responsible for considerable morbidity, occasional mortality and significant difficulties in the operating theatre and intensive care unit. We performed an extensive literature search to identify causal associations, methods of clinical and investigative assessment, treatment modalities and anaesthetic experience with these conditions.