Surveillance After Treatment
After treatment for a tracheal disease, patients will continue to have regular bronchoscopy procedures to evaluate the healing of the trachea. Our physicians will perform a bronchoscopy immediately after treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, after which most patients will receive follow-up care from their local pulmonologists. This allows for close follow-up that is more convenient for patients.
Rehabilitation Following Surgery
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in the management of tracheal diseases.
Post-Operative Pulmonary Program
To help patients recover after surgery to correct a tracheal disease, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a Post-Operative Pulmonary Program led by a multidisciplinary team of respiratory experts, physical therapists, nurses, and doctors.
Physical therapy
Following surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering's experienced physical therapists will perform a comprehensive chest physical therapy evaluation that focuses on coughing, deep breathing, and management of phlegm (thick mucous that lines the airway and lungs). In addition, we give traditional mobility evaluations to assess a patient's ability to get out of bed and walk. Based on the findings of the evaluation, patients are provided with an individualized treatment that addresses these challenges and outlines some goals for that particular situation. This proactive approach of post-operative care — including chest physical therapy, mobility, and exercise — will maximize a patient's breathing function and walking capacity with the goal of returning home feeling steady and strong.
Although most patients are discharged home, occasionally some people require additional rehabilitation prior to going home. The patient's physical therapist will be involved in making recommendations regarding the most appropriate discharge plan.
Respiratory Therapy
Our respiratory therapists work with patients to assess breathing and provide patients with treatments as guided by their physician. Patients are given oxygen therapy and a type of inhaler called a nebulizer that turns liquid into a fine spray. Our therapists are also able to assist in patients' transitions from hospital to home. In addition, we work with patients who are undergoing a type of respiratory treatment known as continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP).
Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Program
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Program provides a variety of services to help restore function and enhance quality of life. Speech and swallowing therapists are key members of the rehabilitation team following treatment for tracheal diseases as they help patients achieve their best function. For more information about the services we offer, visit that section of our Web site.
Other Outpatient Programs
To fill out the spectrum of care necessary to treat issues in the complex airway, our team also collaborates closely with many outpatient programs in the New York City area that provide pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic lung diseases. These short-term programs allow patients to develop an exercise regimen suited to their disease and to learn techniques to optimize breathing.
Other Aspects of Long-Term Rehabilitation
To help our patients manage issues that may come up after treatment ends, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs, including the following:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling sessions to help patients and their families address the problems that they may encounter in adjusting to life during and after treatment.
Integrative Medicine Service
Our Integrative Medicine Service is designed to enhance patients' quality of life through healing regimens that address the body, mind, and spirit. Beneficial complementary therapies include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization, and other mind-body therapies; music therapy; nutritional counseling; and classes such as yoga, t'ai chi, and chair aerobics.
Screening & Wellness
Memorial Sloan-Kettering provides numerous prevention, screening, and wellness services. Information about these services and guidance on how to stop smoking and how to follow a healthy diet can be found on our Web site in our Prevention & Screening section.
Help for Older Patients
A diagnosis of a tracheal disease is difficult at any age, but older patients face unique challenges. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to providing patients aged 65 and older with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers the services of a multidisciplinary geriatric team, which includes physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, as well as members of the Pain and Palliative Care Department and the Integrative Medicine Service. The programs and care the team provides focus on the needs of elderly cancer patients.
For more information about our services for older patients as well as for their family and friends, visit the Help for Older Patients section of our Web site.
Access Information Through our Patient Portal
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a secure Web site — called MYMSKCC — for patients to access personalized information about their care. If you enroll to use MYMSKCC, you can view, confirm, and keep track of appointments; access over 300 lab results; make changes to contact and insurance information; communicate with your healthcare team and other staff using secure electronic messages; and pay bills and view balances. Learn more about MYMSKCC.
To enroll in MYMSKCC, please ask a session assistant in clinic or contact your physician's office.
