Updates on diagnosis and treatment of tracheal stenosis in infants

Abstract

Airway stenosis is the narrowing of airway lumen caused by congenital or acquired factors, resulting in respiratory and vocal dysfunction in infants.In recent years, the application of fiber bronchoscopy in NICU and PICU improve the diagnosis in infants with congenital tracheal stenosis significantly.With the increased survival of very low birth weight and very early premature infants, tracheal stenosis associated with intubation has become increasingly populated.With the advancement of surgical approach and the utilization of fiber bronchoscopy, the survival and prognosis of the airway stenosis in infants make a huge promotion, which was considered deadly in the past.This article reviews progress in the diagnosis and treatment of airway stenosis in infants. Key words: Airway stenosis in infants; Fiber bronchoscopy; Endoscopic balloon dilation; Endobronchial stents; Tissue-engineering trachea