Endowed Chair: Tracheomalacia Program, led by Ali Mokdad, M.D., and Krishna Pancham, M.D.
Cook Children's has awarded an Endowed Chair to Ali Mokdad, M.D., and Krishna Pancham, M.D., to establish the Tracheomalacia Program at Cook Children’s.
Tracheomalacia is a dynamic obstruction of the central airways resulting from laxity of the posterior tracheal membrane and/or weakness of the anterior cartilage. This obstruction is precipitated by increased intrathoracic pressure, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms, including a relentless cough, noisy breathing, recurrent infections and prolonged respiratory illnesses. In severe cases, the condition can cause life-threatening episodes of hypoxia and cardiac arrest.
The current standard of care for tracheomalacia is medical therapy, including bronchodilators, mucolytic agents and chronic courses of antibiotics and steroids. In most centers, only medical therapy is often contemplated due to a pervasive presumption in the medical community that children outgrow tracheomalacia. However, many children endure significant symptoms well into childhood and adolescence.
Posterior tracheopexy is a surgical procedure that has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with tracheomalacia whose symptoms are refractory to medical therapy.
The Cook Children's Tracheomalacia Program is the only program that offers a posterior tracheopexy in the region. Currently, no institution in Texas or the surrounding states offers the procedure. Our program will serve local, regional, national and international communities by offering a definitive solution to poorly controlled tracheomalacia, thereby reducing recurrent hospitalizations, minimizing school and parental work disruptions, and ultimately preventing the need for tracheostomy. Given the immense financial burden and the physical, emotional and social toll of this disease, a comprehensive, multispecialty approach featuring surgical options like tracheopexy represents a significant leap forward in patient care.
Meet Dr. Pancham
As a highly accomplished pediatric pulmonologist, Dr. Pancham has dedicated his career to serving children with complex airway and lung diseases while championing family-integrated care.
Meet Dr. Mokdad
Dr. Mokdad is a triple board-certified pediatric surgeon with clinical expertise in complex chest, abdominal and neonatal surgeries. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed publication on these topics.
Related information
Tracheomalacia in Children | Cook Children's Pulmonology
Tracheomalacia: Early intervention strategies - lifelong outcomes
From ER visit to breathing easy: Casey's story
Gabby's 10-year struggle to breath
Understanding tracheomalacia with Dr. Mokdad
Continuing to be a champion: Groundbreaking technique offers breathing relief to young athletes
Support this research
Be part of the innovative and life-changing work we're doing at Cook Children's. Support the Endowed Chair Program today.