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Open research questions in Tracheal and airway disorders

61 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 412 Tracheal and airway disorders papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The prevailing method for estimating the stenosis index is subjective and has been found to need more precision. There is a need for a more reliable and objective method of SI measurement.

    Clinical feasibility study of generative depth estimation to diagnose airway stenosis using 3D slicer · 2026 · DOI

  • Decannulation failure rates are high, ranging from 40 to 60%. There is a need for a predictive scoring system to identify patients who are likely to succeed with decannulation. The scoring system must be validated in external populations.

    Establishment and evaluation of a predictive scoring system for successful decannulation of tracheostomy in neurosurgery patients · 2026 · DOI

  • The sample size was relatively modest and originated from only two institutions. The validation cohort was derived from the same two institutions as the training cohort, which may affect generalizability. The study scope was limited to hospitalized patients, lacking data from home care and community settings.

    Establishment and evaluation of a predictive scoring system for successful decannulation of tracheostomy in neurosurgery patients · 2026 · DOI

  • The cause of idiopathic subglottic stenosis remains elusive. The condition is frequently overlooked. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent detrimental effects on patients.

    Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Improving Diagnosis and Awareness · 2026 · DOI

  • The concept of UX is complex and multifaceted. There is a need for clarity and standardization in the field of UX. UX should be integrated into the key development processes of organizations.

    Effectiveness of a standardized cleaning protocol for pediatric tracheostomy tubes: a before-and-after study · 2026 · DOI

  • Accurate diagnosis of lung fissure variations is challenging. The study notes that cardiothoracic surgeons need detailed knowledge of lung fissure variations.

    Anatomical Variation in Fissures of the Lung on Computed Tomography in Benghazi · 2026 · DOI

  • The study had a small sample size of 50 patients. The study had a limited follow-up period of four weeks.

    A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE SEQUELAE OF LONGTERM TRACHEOSTOMY ON NASAL MUCOSA · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should include larger multicentric studies with longer follow-up periods. Evaluating preventive strategies such as humidification therapy, nasal saline irrigation, and mucosal protective agents may help reduce mucosal damage.

    A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE SEQUELAE OF LONGTERM TRACHEOSTOMY ON NASAL MUCOSA · 2026 · DOI

  • Limited evidence on the use of local methylprednisolone irrigation after bronchoscopic treatment for MCAO. Need for evaluation of post-procedural tolerability and short-term efficacy outcomes.

    Local methylprednisolone irrigation and tolerability after PTS-based bronchoscopic treatment for malignant central airway obstruction: a retrospective study · 2026 · DOI

  • ABSTRACT Objectives Disparities in tracheostomy outcomes are well described, but contemporary national trends in procedural timing and resource utilization remain unclear.

    Contemporary Sociodemographic Disparities in Tracheostomy Timing and Resource Utilization · 2026 · DOI

  • Airway stenting remains one of the most effective palliative interventions, yet the relative efficacy and safety of silicone versus metallic stents remain uncertain.

    Silicone versus Metallic Tracheobronchial Stents for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Diagnosing endobronchial metastasis from HCC can be challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. Current treatment strategies have limited efficacy, and there is a need for alternative approaches. Balancing radical disease control with organ preservation is a challenge in the management of patients with endobronchial metastasis from HCC.

    Sleeve Resection of the Right Upper Lobe for Tracheobronchial Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Superior Vena Cava Involvement: A Case Report and Literature Review · 2026 · DOI

  • Larger, multicenter studies with extended follow-up are needed to firmly establish the long-term efficacy and safety of sleeve resection for endobronchial metastasis from HCC. Further research is needed to identify the optimal treatment approach for patients with solitary endobronchial metastasis from HCC.

    Sleeve Resection of the Right Upper Lobe for Tracheobronchial Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Superior Vena Cava Involvement: A Case Report and Literature Review · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial tuberculosis. Current medical practice may not adequately address the needs of patients with tracheobronchial tuberculosis.

    [Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial tuberculosis (2025 Edition)]. · 2026 · DOI

  • The cause of idiopathic subglottic stenosis remains elusive. There is a lack of information surrounding the condition. The condition is frequently overlooked, resulting in inaccurate and lengthy diagnosis.

    Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Improving Diagnosis and Awareness · 2026 · DOI

  • Lack of effective and reliable approaches to long-segment tracheal reconstruction. Need for further research and validation of tissue-engineered tracheal grafts. Limited availability of large-sample, controlled trials.

    Long-Segment Tracheal Reconstruction or Replacement: A Review · 2026 · DOI

  • The case report is limited to a single patient. The paper does not provide a comprehensive review of all possible causes of distal tracheobronchial obstruction.

    Front-of-Neck Access Cannot Overcome Distal Tracheobronchial Obstruction: A Fatal Case of Mochi Impaction · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive framework for UX. Future research should explore the relation between UX and neighboring concepts. Future research should investigate the challenges and limitations of designing for UX.

    Effectiveness of a standardized cleaning protocol for pediatric tracheostomy tubes: a before-and-after study · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for effective treatment options for bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis. Traditional surgical approaches may not be suitable for all patients.

    Bronşektaziye Bağlı Hemoptizide Parankim Koruyucu Hibrit VATS: Eş Zamanlı Lingulektomi ve Sol Alt Lob Multibazal Segmentektomi Uygulanan Bir Olgu · 2026 · DOI

  • The effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on tracheal wound healing are unclear. The potential benefits of omega-3 supplementation in preventing tracheal stenosis are unknown.

    Evaluation of the preventive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on post-tracheotomy laryngotracheal stenosis: An experimental study · 2026 · DOI

  • Excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) is an underrecognized cause of chronic respiratory symptoms and is frequently presents with clinical manifestations such as cough, wheezing and exertional dyspnoea.

    The hidden airway: central airway collapse mimicking obstructive lung disease · 2026 · DOI

  • The review is limited to studies that proposed or modified classification systems of the CT. The review does not include a formal risk of bias assessment or critical appraisal of included studies.

    Anatomical variations of the coeliac trunk: a scoping review of classification systems · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for a comprehensive synthesis of classification systems for the coeliac trunk. There is a lack of standardisation of terminology and classification systems. There is a need for more research on the clinical implications of anatomical variation of the coeliac trunk.

    Anatomical variations of the coeliac trunk: a scoping review of classification systems · 2026 · DOI

  • The patient had severe cognitive impairment, which limited the interpretation of pulmonary function testing. The patient had a history of recurrent episodes of acute respiratory distress. Only one case is reported.

    Airway Management Using Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange for Critical Distal Tracheal Stenosis Caused by a Massive Goiter: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • Severe distal tracheal stenosis caused by a massive goiter represents a high-risk airway in which both intubation and ventilation may be difficult or fail. Conventional ventilation techniques may be ineffective in severe distal airway narrowing.

    Airway Management Using Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange for Critical Distal Tracheal Stenosis Caused by a Massive Goiter: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Tracheal and airway disorders

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61 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 412 Tracheal and airway disorders papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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