Airway Stenosis Research Articles

Multidisciplinary care in nonmalignant central airway obstruction.

The management of histologically benign central airway obstruction (CAO) is complex. Published studies have focused on the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options provided by specific specialties, but there has been no focus on multidisciplinary management of this disease. Our objective is to review the current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for managing nonmalignant CAO from a multidisciplinary perspective involving otolaryngology, thoracic surgery and interventional bronchoscopists. For benign airway strictures, management is via medical and endoscopic therapy with surgical resection reserved for complex and recurrent stenoses. There is evidence and growing interest in intralesional corticosteroid injection in treating inflammation and potentially preventing recurrence. Airway specialists from distinct disciplines use different laser types, dilating balloons and anesthesia methods to manage benign CAO. Recent studies have demonstrated substantial improvements in patient breathlessness and quality of life following therapeutic airway interventions, highlighting the evolving landscape in this cross-disciplinary field. Nonmalignant CAO, arising from various mechanical, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies, poses significant morbidity and mortality risks. Current treatments include endoscopic resection, dilation, stent placement, and surgical resection which are selected based on lesion's complexity, extent, operability and patient's symptoms and goals. A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to patient care could offer the best outcomes.

Impact of Age in Single-Level Versus Multilevel Airway Compromise: A Multi-Institutional Review.

Examine the association between age and treatment outcomes in conditions causing single- versus multilevel airway restriction. Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. Tertiary laryngology centers. Participants included younger (18-64 years) and geriatric (≥65 years) adults with posterior glottic stenosis (PGS), multilevel airway stenosis (MLAS), and bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Subgroup demographics, comorbidities, type, and etiology of airway compromise were described. Associations between age and primary outcome variables (i.e., tracheostomy and decannulation rates, number of surgeries performed, time between surgeries, and change in quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measures [PROMs]) were evaluated. Statistical analyses included independent t tests, χ2, Fisher's exact, or Mann-Whitney tests. In 158 patients [96 younger (30 PGS, 29 MLAS, 37 BVFP) and 62 geriatric (24 PGS, 9 MLAS, 29 BVFP)], age differences were not significant for gender (P = .990), tracheostomy placement (70% vs 66%, P = .629), or decannulation success (40% vs 24%, P = .091) in younger versus geriatric groups, respectively. In younger patients, MLAS was more common (30.2% vs 14.5%, P = .024), and BVFP patients were more likely to decannulate (50% vs 12%, P = .017). Geriatric patients were more likely to have a history of prior radiation (26% vs 10%, P = .016), stenosis due to malignancy (23% vs 9%, P = .022), and fewer overall surgeries (median 1 vs 3, P = .003). Median PROMs were comparable between age subgroups (P > .05). Younger adults underwent more surgeries, but overall comorbidities, tracheostomy decannulation rates, and PROMs were comparable between groups. Age does not negatively impact treatment outcomes and should not be a deterrent in treatment decision-making.

High-throughput Bronchus-on-a-Chip system for modeling the human bronchus

Airway inflammation, a protective response in the human body, can disrupt normal organ function when chronic, as seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Chronic bronchitis induces goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia, obstructing airflow. Traditional animal testing is often replaced by in vitro three-dimensional cultures of human epithelial cells to assess chronic cell responses. However, these cells are cultured horizontally, differing from the tubular structure of the human airway and failing to accurately reproduce airway stenosis. To address this, we developed the Bronchus-on-a-Chip (BoC) system. The BoC uses a novel microfluidic design in a standard laboratory plate, embedding 62 chips in one plate. Human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured against a collagen extracellular matrix for up to 35 days. Characterization included barrier integrity assays, microscopy, and histological examination. Cells successfully cultured in a tubular structure, with the apical side air-lifted. Epithelial cells differentiated into basal, ciliated, and secretory cells, mimicking human bronchial epithelium. Upon exposure to inducers of goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia, the BoC system showed mucus hyperproduction, replicating chronic epithelial responses. This BoC system enhances in vitro testing for bronchial inflammation, providing a more human-relevant and high-throughput method.

Establishing Benchmarks for Airway Replacement: Long-Term Outcomes of Tracheal Autografts in a Large Animal Model.

Airway replacement is a challenging surgical intervention and remains an unmet clinical need. Due to the risk of airway stenosis, anastomotic separation, poor vascularization, and necrosis, it is necessary to establish the gold-standard outcomes of tracheal replacement. In this study, we use a large animal autograft model to assess long-term outcomes following tracheal replacement. Four New Zealand White rabbits underwent tracheal autograft surgery and were observed for 6 months. Clinical and radiographic surveillance were recorded, and grafts were analyzed histologically and radiographically at endpoint. All animals survived to the endpoint with minimal respiratory symptoms and normal growth rates. No complications were observed. Computed tomography scans of the post-surgical airway demonstrated graft patency at all time points. Histological sections showed no sign of stenosis or necrosis with preservation of the native structure of the trachea. We established benchmarks for airway replacement. Our findings suggest that a rabbit model of tracheal autograft with direct reimplantation is feasible and does not result in graft stenosis or airway collapse.

Effects of Hyrax Maxillary Expander on Nasal Cavity and Upper Airway in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Whether Hyrax maxillary expander is an effective treatment for maxillary transverse deficiency as well as expansion of the upper airway is still controversial. The study's purpose was to evaluate 3D changes in upper airway dimensions of adolescent patients measured primarily by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with the Hyrax maxillary expander. Studies up to 1 April 2024 were searched in the following databases: PubMed/MEDICINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials and cohort studies that assessed the effect of RME in adolescent patients with upper airway stenosis using CBCT-based three-dimensional analysis. The risk of bias in the study outcomes was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, the GRADE method, and a tool for evaluating non-randomized controlled study (non-RCT) literature from a previous systematic review, depending on the types of articles. The study was reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The study conducted a random effects meta-analysis of mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for changes in upper airway volumes, including the nasal cavity (NC), in the outcomes of 16 included studies, followed by subgroup analyses. A significant increase in nasopharynx volume was observed after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) by Hyrax maxillary expander (MD = 0.69, 95% CI (0.09~1.28), p = 0.02).

Lethal Complication of Postairway Stenting to Trachea and Left Main Bronchus: A Case Series with Discussion of the Diagnosis and Management

Abstract The insertion of a metallic airway stent is a valuable method for the treatment of benign and malignant airway stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistula. Although stenting for airway stenosis has become widely popular with favorable outcomes, several complications can arise after stenting, such as migration, tendency for stent fracture, and ingrowth of tumor or granulation tissue into the stent. Very few of these reports have described the complications of poststenting pneumothorax. We report the cases of three patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, complicated by tracheoesophageal fistula, and treated with a tracheal stent or bronchial stent, who developed poststenting pneumothorax.

Cryoprobe biopsy versus mechanical biopsies in pulmonary diagnostics.

Biopsy tools have been essential in improving the diagnostic accuracy of bronchoscopic procedures. Of these tools, cryobiopsy has emerged as a promising technique for diagnosing thoracic diseases. This review summarizes the existing data comparing cryobiopsies to other mechanical biopsy methods for sampling endobronchial, parenchymal, and mediastinal targets. Initially adopted for managing airway stenoses, the use of cryoprobes has expanded to diagnosing endobronchial lesions, parenchymal opacities, and mediastinal lymph node pathologies. Studies have demonstrated that cryobiopsy offers a higher diagnostic yield than forceps biopsy alone. By leveraging the Joule-Thomson effect to freeze and collect larger tissue samples compared to traditional methods, cryobiopsy improves diagnostic accuracy and helps in better characterizing the nature of the lesions. While the risk of complications, such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage are comparable to, or higher than traditional biopsy methods, cryobiopsy's enhanced diagnostic capabilities make it a valuable tool in the assessment of pulmonary disease. Compared with other mechanical biopsy techniques, cryoprobe biopsies significantly enhance the diagnostic yield for endobronchial lesions, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary nodules, and mediastinal lymph nodes.

Possibilities of endoscopic adjuvant use of Mitomycin-S in the treatment of benign airway stenoses

Mitomycin-c is an effective and safe drug in the treatment of benign stenosis of the respiratory tract, to a greater extent increasing the duration of the relapse-free period, the interval between endoscopic manipulations. Due to the lack of clear ideas about the optimal method of administration of the drug, the timing, duration of the application / injection, it is necessary to continue further research.

Airway management for patients with tracheal stenosis and severe scar contracture of the face and neck via bronchoscopy: a case report

Both anaesthesiologists and surgeons experience challenges in managing airway stenosis and scar contracture in the face and neck. Herein, we report the case of a 38-year-old woman (BMI 23.1 kg/m2, third-degree burns covering 40% of her body, an American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status III) with an unusual case of airway constriction. This patient had a predictable difficult airway (mouth opening of 2 cm, bilateral nostril scar hyperplasia, Mallampatti score III, scarring of the head and neck, and severe tracheal stenosis). Tracheal stenosis measuring 5.5 mm in width as observed 8 cm below the glottis, and the bronchoscope could not pass through it. After two failed attempts at laryngeal mask insertion, we decided to instead insert a custom-made tracheal tube under the guidance of a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The operation was successful, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted treatment of severe airway stenosis due to goiter: Two case reports.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical care intervention that acts as a temporary substitute for the heart and lungs, facilitating adequate tissue perfusion and gas exchange. The 2 primary configurations, veno-arterial and veno-venous ECMO, are tailored to support either the heart and lungs or the lungs alone, respectively. The case report details patients with tumor-induced airway stenosis who encountered limitations with standard treatments, which were either insufficient or carried the risk of severe complications such as hypoxia and asphyxia. Patients were diagnosed with severe airway stenosis caused by goiter, a condition that required innovative treatment approaches to prevent complications during the management process. Veno-venous ECMO was implemented as a bridging therapy to provide vital respiratory support during the tumor resection procedure. This intervention was crucial in reducing the risks associated with airway edema or tumor rupture. With the use of veno-venous ECMO, the patients successfully underwent tumor resection. They were subsequently weaned off the ECMO support, and after a course of treatment, they were discharged in good condition. The case demonstrates the efficacy of veno-venous ECMO as a bridging therapy for managing severe airway stenosis caused by goiter. Its use facilitated the successful resection of tumors and led to positive patient outcomes, highlighting its potential as a valuable treatment option in similar scenarios.

777. COMBINED OESOPHAGEAL AND AIRWAY STENTING FOR MALIGNANT OESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES: THE UK’S LARGEST TERTIARY CENTRE EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL ALGORITHM

Abstract Background Malignant oesophageal strictures can cause airway compromise and fistula formation. Combined oesophageal and airway stenting is a potential treatment yet no guidelines exist. This study aims to describe the outcomes of same-session oesophageal and airway endoscopic stenting for malignant strictures and propose an algorithm for intervention. Methods A retrospective study on patients undergoing same-session gastroenterology (GI) and respiratory endoscopy at University College London Hospital, 2019-2023. All procedures were with anaesthetic-led propofol sedation. Endoscopic decision making was based on pre-procedure multidisciplinary team meeting (MDM) and intra-procedure clinical assessment. Data collected included malignancy type, luminal narrowing, complications, and mortality. Results 26 patients were identified. Mean age was 63 years. Cancer type was oesophageal (81%) or lung (19%). The most common referral indication was dysphagia (42%); airway compromise was often seen on imaging (65%). Stent insertion was oesophageal only (35%), airway only (19%) and dual (27%). Airway stenting was common (80%) if airway stenosis was >50%. No airway stenting occurred if stenosis was <50%. After oesophageal stenting, repeat bronchoscopy showed increased airway stenosis in 4 patients (25%). The only intraoperative complication was one oesophageal perforation. New tracheooesophageal fistula was the most common post-intervention complication (15%). Median time from malignancy diagnosis to death was 7.9 weeks. Conclusion We present the first algorithm (Figure 1) for endoscopic stenting in patients with malignant oesophageal stricture and airway involvement. We suggest upper GI and respiratory MDM to plan same-session endoscopy with decision-making framed by patient-centred goals given their poor prognosis.

Nursing Patient With Central Airway Stenosis Complicated by Tracheo-mediastinal Fistula

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the nursing experience of a patient who developed a tracheo-mediastinal fistula following bronchoscopic balloon dilation for severe central airway stenosis due to tuberculosis. Key nursing points include: early recognition of complications; enhanced monitoring of the patient's condition to watch for recurrence of the fistula; dynamic monitoring of the circulatory system to prevent obstructive shock; evidence-based and standardized care for indwelling catheters; meticulous management throughout the course of treatment to eliminate mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema; monitoring thrombus detachment and appropriate anticoagulant therapy; improving discharge guidance and continuous nursing. After effective treatment and careful nursing, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged smoothly.

Management of airway complications following lung transplantation: first interventional bronchoscopy report from Türkiye.

Lung transplantation is the treatment of last resort for many chronic lung diseases. Airway complications (AC) following lung transplantation, such as bronchial stenosis, dehiscence, malacia, and fistula, account for frequent hospital admissions, additional treatment costs, decreased quality of life, and reduced survival rates. Beyond surgical and medical preventive efforts, interventional bronchoscopy (IB) can be used in the management of these complications. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of IB on the management of AC following lung transplantation. A retrospective analysis was done using the data of lung transplant patients with AC referred to the interventional pulmonology unit between December 2012 and December 2019. From a total of 116 lung transplants, the data of 14/116 (12%) patients and 14/220 (6.3%) anastomoses in the same lung transplant group with AC requiring IB were analyzed. In these 14 patients, the diseases leading to lung transplantation were interstitial lung diseases (ILD) (50.0%), bronchiectasis (28.6%), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (7.1%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7.1%), and COPD + bronchiectasis (7.1%). Airway stenosis was the most common airway complication, and it developed mostly in the right bronchial system.The 14 patients underwent 27 total sessions of IB with an average of 2-3 per patient. Airway patency was successfully achieved in 74.1% of the procedures. Mechanical dilatation with a balloon and/or a rigid tube was the most preferred procedure (81.5%). Permanent airway patency was achieved in eight (57.4%) patients. No early complications were encountered (0%). The late complication rate was 48.1%. The most frequent late complication was restenosis, which cannot be directly attributed to IB. IB is safe to perform on lung transplant patients with AC. It has low procedural complication rates and can be performed repeatedly. Because of the high rate of restenosis, interventional pulmonologists should find out treatment modalities with lower rates of restenosis.

Machine learning model predicts airway stenosis requiring clinical intervention in patients after lung transplantation: a retrospective case-controlled study

BackgroundPatients with airway stenosis (AS) are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation (LTx). This study aims to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models to predict AS requiring clinical intervention in patients after LTx.MethodsPatients who underwent LTx between January 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed. The conventional logistic regression (LR) model was fitted by the independent risk factors which were determined by multivariate LR. The optimal ML model was determined based on 7 feature selection methods and 8 ML algorithms. Model performance was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) and brier score, which were internally validated by the bootstrap method.ResultsA total of 381 LTx patients were included, and 40 (10.5%) patients developed AS. Multivariate analysis indicated that male, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and postoperative 6-min walking test were significantly associated with AS (all P < 0.001). The conventional LR model showed performance with an AUC of 0.689 and brier score of 0.091. In total, 56 ML models were developed and the optimal ML model was the model fitted using a random forest algorithm with a determination coefficient feature selection method. The optimal model exhibited the highest AUC and brier score values of 0.760 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.666–0.864) and 0.085 (95% CI, 0.058–0.117) among all ML models, which was superior to the conventional LR model.ConclusionsThe optimal ML model, which was developed by clinical characteristics, allows for the satisfactory prediction of AS in patients after LTx.

Design, fabrication, and in vitro studies of sustained paclitaxel release from 3D-printed TPU/P407 airway stents for treating airway stenosis

Airway stenosis, a significant cause of dyspnea, is commonly managed with airway stents. However, conventional stents frequently lead to restenosis. Excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells during abnormal repair processes is a key factor in airway restenosis. To address this challenge, a novel drug-loaded airway stent has been designed with personalized tailoring for the patient. This stent features a three-layered structure: an outer layer made from a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Poloxamer 407 (P407), a drug-loading intermediate layer, and an inner layer made of TPU. This design aims to minimize airway irritation and enable adjustable drug release rates by adjusting the drug carrier and/or the content of P407 in the stent’s outer layer. Drug release profile conforms to the Improved First-Order model. Notably, P407 is released from the stent, serving a dual purpose: it creates micropores to regulate the drug release rate and synergizes with PTX to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts. This combination significantly enhances the inhibitory effect on the proliferation of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, without adversely affecting airway epithelial cells. This may represent a novel approach to reducing restenosis by addressing a critical complication associated with the use of airway stents.

Functional involvement of the sternohyoid muscle during breathing and swallowing in rats.

The sternohyoid muscle depresses the hyoid bone, but it is unclear whether the muscle contributes to respiratory and swallowing mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify whether the sternohyoid muscle participates in the respiration and swallowing reflex and how the activity is modulated in two conditions: with airway stenosis and with a fixed sternohyoid muscle length. Electromyographic activity in the sternohyoid, digastric, thyrohyoid, and diaphragm muscles was recorded in anesthetized rats. The sternohyoid muscle activity was observed in the inspiratory phase and during swallowing, and was well coordinated with digastric and thyrohyoid muscle activity. With airway stenosis, the respiratory activity per respiratory cycle was facilitated in all assessed muscles but the facilitation of activity per second occurred only in the digastric, thyrohyoid, and sternohyoid muscles. With airway stenosis, the swallowing activity was facilitated only in the digastric muscle but not in the thyrohyoid and sternohyoid muscles. Swallowing activity was not observed in the sternohyoid muscle in the condition with the sternohyoid muscle length fixed, although increased inspiratory activity remained. The current results suggest that 1) the sternohyoid muscle is slightly activated in the inspiratory phase, 2) the effect of airway stenosis on respiratory function may differ between the upper airway muscles and diaphragm, and 3) swallowing activity in the sternohyoid muscle is not dominantly controlled by the swallowing central pattern generator but instead occurs as a myotatic reflex.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that the sternohyoid muscle was activated in the inspiratory phase. However, increased airway resistance had different effects on the extrathoracic muscles than on the diaphragm. The swallowing activity of the sternohyoid disappeared when the muscle length was fixed. These findings suggest that the sternohyoid muscle may be activated not by the swallowing central pattern generator but as a myotatic reflex.

Multidetector computed tomography imaging planning for bronchoscopy stent and valve placement in the treatment of COPD, air leaks, and airway stenosis

Bronchoscopy using a flexible bronchoscope is considered a safe procedure and has been used for diagnosing and treating airway and parenchymal lung diseases. Bronchoscopic interventions in selected patients with emphysema, airway stenosis, and air leaks provide new treatment options. The application of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) planning prior to bronchoscopy is comprehensively addressed. Using MDCT scan for pre-procedural planning, ensures precise navigation and device placement during bronchoscopy, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Radiological features can be correlated with bronchoscopy findings, linking MDCT images with direct bronchoscopy observations.This educational statement provides a comprehensive overview of the integration of computed tomography and bronchoscopy in managing different pulmonary conditions treated with endobronchial valve and airway stent placement, focusing on key aspects to enhance understanding and application in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on their role in treating airway stenosis (AS), air leaks, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the conditions under which these procedures are most beneficial. It explores how MDCT imaging contributes to the diagnosis and treatment planning of these conditions and the correct interpretation of MDCT image findings during follow-up after the procedure.

Surgical management of iSGS in pregnant patients: Survey among North American expertise centers

ObjectiveTo identify, group and document the surgical management of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) in pregnant women among North American centers with expertise in the treatment of airway stenosis. BackgroundIdiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare airway disease that primarily affects women in their third to fifth decade of life. Symptoms of iSGS often worsen during pregnancy and can present as a threat to optimal maternal and fetal health; however there is a lack of evidence addressing the management of iSGS in pregnancy. Study designCross-Sectional Survey Study. MethodsA twenty-four question survey was designed to query the surgical management, ventilation, and perioperative considerations for pregnant patients with iSGS. Twenty-nine North American academic tertiary care centers with airway surgery expertise were identified. A designated surrogate for each center was contacted by email to distribute and obtain results of the survey. Results17 centers responded. Most centers include differences in perioperative assessment such as frequency of consultation with a maternal/fetal medicine specialist. There is occasional use of a tocometer and rarely a non-stress test. Ventilation with intermittent jet ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula is favored. The surgical protocols include positional modifications, with pregnant patients in the left lateral decubitus position. The preferred timing for intervention is in the second or third trimester. ConclusionThis is the first national survey describing surgical and perioperative considerations for the pregnant patient with iSGS among centers with airway expertise in the United States and Canada.

Type and morphology affect the success rate of bronchoscopy for postintubation tracheal stenosis.

With advancements in respiratory interventional techniques, bronchoscopic intervention technology has emerged as a viable approach for managing postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS). However, there was a paucity of research investigating the potential impact of stenosis characteristics and morphology (such as stenosis degree, length, type, and morphology) on bronchoscopic intervention treatment prognosis for PITS patients. This study was to assess the impact of various preoperative stenosis characteristic factors on the bronchoscopic cure rate among patients. This is a retrospective study analyzing the medical records of patients with PITS who received bronchoscopic intervention at the tertiary interventional pulmonology center. Among the cases, 115 individuals achieved a in a success rate of 79.86% for bronchoscopic intervention therapy and were assigned to Group S. On the other hand, 29 cases required surgical intervention, accounting for a surgical treatment rate of 20.14% and were assigned to Group F. The stenosis in the Group F predominantly exhibited irregular shapes with scar granulation accompanied by tracheal chondromalacia collapse. Patients in group S experienced fewer total procedures, rigid bronchoscopy treatment, intraoperative hypoxemia, needed emergency re-bronchoscopy in 24 h and transferred to ICU postoperatively. Patients with pure scar and granuloma, the rate of bronchoscopic success cure was higher than patients with scar granulation accompanied by tracheal chondromalacia (odds ratio: 8.208; 95% confidence interval: 2.755-24.459), and regular stenosis morphology was associated with a higher bronchoscopic success cure rate (odds ratio: 9.463; 95% confidence interval: 3.128-28.623). Irregular airway stenosis, chondromalacia or airway collapse are key factors affecting the success rate of bronchoscopic treatment for post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Level of evidence: 4 (historically controlled studies).

Bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation for the treatment of airway stenosis caused by tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation: clinical case observation.

This study aimed to design a standardised bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation for the treatment of airway stenosis caused by tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation and to retrospectively analyse its safety and feasibility. We collected the data of patients who had undergone bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation due to airway stenosis caused by tracheal mucosal tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation. The patients' baseline characteristics, ablation effects, surgical complications and other data were analysed. In total, 16 patients were enrolled in this study. On average, airway stenosis occurred 96.00 (interquartile range, 69.75-152.50) days after tracheal intubation and bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation took an average of 90.38 minutes (standard deviation: 16.78). After the first continuous cryoablation, 75.0% (12/16) of the patients had complete ablation of hyperplastic tissue, and 25.0% (4/16) had most of the hyperplastic tissue (>50%) removed. Altogether, 18.75% (3/16) and 6.25% (1/16) of the patients had complete ablation of hyperplastic tissue after the second and third cryoablation, respectively. Moreover, one patient (6.25%) had minimal wound bleeding postoperatively, and no other surgical complications occurred. No airway stenosis was found in all enrolled patients during follow-up 1 and 6 months after the last cryoablation. According to the above results of our small sample study indicated that bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation seems safe and effective for treating airway stenosis caused by tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation.