Post-tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis Research Articles

Our Clinical Experience With Patients Requiring Intensive Care for Tracheal Stenosis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background and objective The clinical course in patients with tracheal stenosis (TS) ranges from being asymptomatic to respiratory failure requiring follow-up in the ICU. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, management,and outcome of TS patients who were admitted to the ICU. Materials and methods The data of patients hospitalized in the ICU due to TS between January 01, 2015, and January 01, 2016, were analyzed. The patients were classified into two groups: the post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) group and the post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) group. Demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)score of patients, factors that caused TS, management of TS, and ICU data of patients were compared. The outcome measures of our study were the ICU management of patients diagnosed with PITS or PTTS,their clinical characteristics, and differences in the treatment between patients diagnosed with PITS and those with PTTS in the ICU. Results Fifteen (75%) patients had PITS and five (25%)had PTTS. While BMI was significantly lower in patients in the PTTS group, the APACHE IIand SOFAscores were significantly higherin PTTS patients (p<0.05). In most of the patients in the PITS group, the location of the stenosis was subglottic and at the 1/3 upper part of the trachea, while in the PTTS group, it was located only at the upper 1/3 of the trachea (p>0.05).Mechanical dilatation was performed in all patients in both groups. Mechanical dilatation and cryotherapy were performed in 10 (66.7%) patients in the PITS group (p>0.05), and a stent was applied in addition to this treatment in three (20%) patients in the PITS group and four (80%) patients in the PTTS group (p<0.05). Mechanical ventilation was not needed in 10 (66.7%) PITS patients and three (60.0%) PTTS patients after the interventional procedure.All patients were eventually discharged from the ICU after treatment. Conclusion While higher BMI was common in PITS patients, the PTTS patients were generally in worse condition. In this patient group, interventional pulmonology procedures in the ICU can be life-saving.

Management of COVID-19-related post-intubation tracheal stenosis.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has affected Italy since the beginning of 2020. Endotracheal intubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and tracheostomy are frequently required in patients with severe COVID-19. Tracheal stenosis is a potentially severe condition that can occur as a complication after intubation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and safety of endoscopic and surgical techniques in the treatment of tracheal stenosis related to COVID-19. Between June 2020 and May 2022, consecutive patients with tracheal stenosis who were admitted to our surgical department were considered eligible for participation in the study. A total of 13 patients were included in the study. They consisted of nine women (69%) and four men (31%) with a median age of 57.2 years. We included seven patients with post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. Bronchoscopy was performed to identify the type, location, and severity of the stenosis. All patients underwent bronchoscopic dilation and surveillance bronchoscopy at 7 and 30 days after the procedure. We repeated endoscopic treatment in eight patients. Three patients underwent tracheal resection anastomosis. Final follow-up bronchoscopy demonstrated no residual stenosis. The incidence of and risk factors associated with tracheal stenosis in critically ill patients with COVID-19 are currently unknown. Our experience confirms the efficacy and safety of endoscopic management followed by surgical procedures in cases of relapsed tracheal stenosis.

Tracheal complications of mechanical ventilation for COVID-19: a plot twist for survivors.

Tracheal complications should be suspected in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 survivors with respiratory symptoms. Treatment requires a multimodal approach of interventional bronchoscopy and surgery with tight follow-up due to a high rate of restenosis. https://bit.ly/3iw05xQ.

Relationship between etiology and morphological classification of benign central airway stenosis and its prognosis

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between etiology and morphological classification of benign central airway stenosis and its prognosis. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the medical records of 453 patients initially diagnosed with benign airway stenosis at Department of Respiratory Diseases in Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2003 to October 2019. Of 453 patients, 260 were male. The age of the study population was 12-86(44.0±24.5) years. Results: Among the 453 patients diagnosed with benign central airway stenosis, 161 case (35.5%, including 113 post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis and 48 post-intubation tracheal stenosis) were iatrogenic; 88 cases were from benign tumors (19.4%), 77 cases from tracheal or bronchial tuberculosis (17.0%), 71 case from tracheal foreign bodies (15.7%). Disease causes varied among different gender or age groups. The main type of stenosis was structural stenosis, of which 241 cases (53.2%) were intra-luminal and 183 cases (40.4%) were scar contracture type. The site of stenosis showed a certain relationship with the causes of stenosis. The stenosis degree was mainly from grade 2 to grade 4 (76.4%), and the length was mainly within 3 cm (84.8%). Single factor analysis on the relationship between disease cause, morphological classification and prognosis of benign central airway stenosis showed statistically better prognosis in groups that were caused by benign tumor, intraductal stenosis or stenosis that were 3-4 in degree and 1-2 degree in length. Conclusion: The common causes of central airway stenosis included iatrogenic stenosis, benign tumor, tracheal or bronchial tuberculosis and tracheal foreign bodies. Benign airway stenosis with different disease causes and morphological classification had different prognosis after bronchoscopic interventional treatment. Clinicians should know the disease causes, morphological characterization and risk factors for benign airway stenosis for earlier diagnosis, treatment or prevention.

Prognostic Factors for Tracheal Restenosis after Stent Removal in Patients with Post-Intubation and Post-Tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis.

PurposeLong-term tracheal stent placement can increase the risk of stent-related complications; hence, removal of the stent after stabilization is attempted. However, little evidence has been established regarding the risk factors for tracheal restenosis. We aimed to identify the risk factors for tracheal restenosis in patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) and post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS).Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with PITS and PTTS between January 2004 and December 2019. Patients were classified into a success or failure group according to treatment outcomes. Patients with successful stent removal were defined as patients who did not require additional intervention after stent removal during the follow-up period. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with tracheal restenosis.ResultsAmong 269 stented patients, 130 patients who had removed the stent were enrolled in this study. During the follow-up period, 73 (56.2%) patients had a stable clinical course; however, 57 (43.8%) patients had restenosis. The proportion of trauma-induced intubation was higher in the success group than in the failure group (p=0.026), and the median stent length was shorter in the success group (45 mm) than in the failure group (50 mm, p=0.001). On multivariate analysis, trauma-induced intubation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.329; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.117–0.927; p=0.036], and stent length <50 mm (aOR, 0.274; 95% CI, 0.130–0.578; p=0.001) were associated with a decreased risk of restenosis.ConclusionTrauma-induced intubation and stent length were associated with successful stent removal.

Efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic management of post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis: a retrospective study from an interventional center in China.

Efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic management of post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis: a retrospective study from an interventional center in China.

Nepal’s First Laser Bronchoscopy: A Case Report

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (Laser) is an essential tool for a thoracic surgeon in the management of tracheobronchial lesions: alone or on combination with other modalities of treatment. Post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) is a well-known entity and often a challenging problem to manage. Here we report a successful use of endotracheal Laser, yet unreported in available English Literature from Nepal, in a 24 year man with PTTS after a protracted hospital stay for traumatic brain injury. The use of Laser bronchoscopy in such cases is safe and feasible, alone or in combination with tracheal dilatation.

Managing complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy.

Percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy are some of the most commonly performed procedures at bedside in the intensive care unit. While they are generally considered safe, they can be associated with numerous short and long-term complications, many of which can occur long after their placement and cause significant morbidity. Performers of these procedures should possess a comprehensive understanding of procedural indications and contraindications, and know how to recognize and manage complications that may arise. In this review, we highlight complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and describe strategies for their prevention and management, with a special focus on post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. Other complications reviewed include bleeding, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema, posterior wall injury, tube displacement, tracheomalacia, tracheoinominate artery fistula, tracheo-esophageal fistula, and stomal cellulitis. Gastrostomy complications and their management are also discussed including bleeding, internal organ injury, necrotizing fasciitis, aspiration pneumonia, buried bumper syndrome, tumor seeding, wound infection, tube displacement, peristomal leakage, and gastric outlet obstruction. In light of the potentially serious outcomes associated with complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy, the emphasis should be placed on risk-reduction strategies to minimize morbidity and mortality. We therefore present detailed pragmatic and comprehensive checklists to serve as a reference for clinicians involved in performing these procedures.

Use of an Insulation-Tipped Knife during Rigid Bronchoscopic Treatment of Benign Tracheobronchial Stenosis.

Background and Objectives: Tracheal or bronchial tears are potential complications of rigid bronchoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the acute complications and outcomes of using an insulation-tipped (IT) knife in combination with rigid bronchoscopic dilatation for treating benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a chart review of patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis who were treated with rigid bronchoscopy and an IT knife at two referral centers. Treatment success was defined as a clinically stable state without worsening symptoms after 3 months of treatment. Results: Of the 23 patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis, 15 had tracheal stenosis and 6 had main bronchial stenosis. Among them, three cases were of simple stenosis (13%), while the others were of complex stenosis (87%). The overall treatment success rate was 87.0%. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema occurred due to bronchial laceration in two cases of distal left main bronchial stenosis (8.7%), and no other significant acute complications developed. Silicone stents were inserted in 20 patients, and successful stent removal was possible in 11 patients (55.0%). Six of the seven stents inserted in patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis were removed successfully (85.7%). However, most of the patients with post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis required persistent stenting (80%). Pulmonary function was significantly increased after treatment, and the mean increase in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 391 ± 171 mL (160–700 mL). Conclusion: The use of an IT knife can be suggested as an effective and safe modality for rigid bronchoscopic treatment of benign tracheobronchial stenosis.

Trakeal Stenoz Cerrahisinde Nöromuskuler Blok Yönetimi; Retrospektif Değerlendirme

Objective: In the surgical treatment of tracheal stenosis, whether in long procedures such as tracheal resection-anastomosis or in short procedures such as rigid bronchoscopy and dilatation, performing a deep neuromuscular block to provide patient comfort and facilitate the surgery. In this study, neuromuscular block antagonism using sugammadex during the surgical treatment of tracheal stenosis was investigated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antagonism of the neuromuscular block with sugammadex in cases of postintubation tracheal stenosis and posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis in terms of postoperative residual block, complications and its effect on postoperative respiratory pattern. Method: In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the anesthesia methods and neuromuscular block management procedures applied during the surgical treatment of tracheal stenosis, patient files, anesthesia record forms, early postoperative follow-up and discharge process were retrospectively reviewed. Since most of the 34 patients diagnosed with tracheal stenosis underwent more than one surgical procedure at different times, a total of 140 interventional procedures and anesthesia applications were examined. Patients who underwent tracheal stenosis surgery and used sugammadex for neuromuscular block antagonism were included in the study. Results: 34 patients were evaluated as postintubation- posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis. While rigid bronchoscopy (n = 78), balloon dilatation (n = 35) and stent (n = 5) were applied to the patients as short surgical procedures, 22 patients underwent tracheal resection-anastomosis surgery. After the use of sugammadex in short and long surgical procedures, the time to start spontaneous breathing was found to be similar. No complications related to sugammadex were identified. Conclusion: We argue that the use of sugammadex under the monitoring of anesthesia depth and muscle strength in tracheal stenosis surgery is an effective and reliable choice for neuromuscular block antagonism.

Influence of Tracheal stenosis on Vocal Fold Vibration: A case report

Objectives: Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) suffer from various problems such as dyspnea, stridor, intolerance of a speaking valve or inability of tracheostomy decannulation. The impact of LTS on the voice has been poorly understood and studied, particularly in adults. There has been no detailed qualitative or quantitative data about voice quality in patients with LTS. This case report presents tracheal stenosis with stridor and dysphonia with abnormal patterns of vocal fold vibration.Case Report: We report a female patient with post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis presented with moderate stridor and dysphonia due to an atypical pattern of vibration, which has been reversed after balloon tracheal dilatation using rigid bronchoscopy. The case showed marked improvement after dilatation in respiratory distress, dyspnea and the voice quality as evidenced subjectively by Auditory Perceptual Assessment (APA) and objectively by acoustic analysis.Conclusion: Tracheal stenosis affects the mechanism of vocal fold vibration, which is reversed after tracheal dilatation with subsequent improvement of vocal fold vibration.

Factors affecting occurrence of post intubation and post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis in intensive care units

Objective: Iatrogenic tracheal stenosis is a life threatening iatrogenic complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy in intensive care units (ICUs). It is one of the toughest morbidities in otolaryngology.Aim of the Study: This prospective observational study was conducted to detect the factors affecting occurrence of tracheal stenosis in patients subjected to tracheostomy after endotracheal intubation in ICUs.Patients and Methods: Sixty eight patients were included in this prospective study. They were admitted to (ICUs) and were subjected to endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy due to prolonged intubation during their stay in (ICUs). The patients were followed up after being discharged for six months to detect incidence and factors affecting occurrence of tracheal stenosis. They were followed up using flexible fiber optic tracheobronchoscopy under local anesthesia, just after weaning from mechanical ventilation three and six months later.Results: Of the studied patients, 50 patients had no tracheal stenosis until the end of follow up period (without tracheal stenosis (WTS) group) while, 18 patients had tracheal stenosis (TS group). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation in WTS group (12.1 ± 7.6 days) was statistically shorter than that of TS groups (16.6 ± 10.4 days) (P = 0.048). Tracheostomy stoma wound sepsis was recorded in 4 patients in TS group and in 2 patients in WTS group.Conclusion: The main predisposing factors for post intubation and post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis are tracheostomy stomal wound sepsis and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. In contrary, tracheal cartilage injury during tracheostomy, age, sex and reason for mechanical ventilation was found to have no role in occurrence of tracheal stenosis.

Tracheal Stenosis: Evaluation of an Institutional Protocol and Introduction of Novel Surgical Criteria and Scoring System.

Treatment modalities for treatment of post intubation and post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis are many. However, well defined surgical criteria and prognostic classification eluding us till date. A prospective study of 57 cases of post intubation and post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis managed as per well defined surgical criteria followed in our institution. Patients were divided into three groups as per the primary surgical procedure used. The stenosis was classified into mild, moderate and severe based on our proposed prognostic classification. The success rate of endoscopic procedure was 81% with average 1.6 number of procedures per patient, for tracheoplasty success rate was 63% with 1.4 number of procedure per patient, and similarly for tracheal resection and anastomosis was 90% with 1.1 procedure per patient. The patient score as per our proposed classification correlated well with the prognosis. Our surgical criteria correlates well with success rate reported by other authors and can be helpful for institutions or surgeons dealing with tracheal stenosis occasionally. Our prognostic classification can be used to predict prognosis.

Risk Factors for Posttracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis

Objective To determine the incidence of posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis and to investigate variables related to the patient, hospitalization, or operation that may affect stenosis rates. Study Design A combined retrospective cohort and case-control study. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center. Subjects and Methods A total of 1656 patients who underwent tracheostomy at a tertiary care medical center from January 2011 to November 2016 were reviewed for evidence of subsequent tracheal stenosis on airway endoscopy or computed tomography. Forty-three confirmed cases of posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) were compared with a subgroup of 319 controls. Factors including medical comorbidity, type and setting of tracheostomy, and hospitalization details were analyzed. Results Five-year incidence of PTTS was 2.6%. Obesity was the sole demographic factor associated with stenosis. Hospitalization-related variables associated with stenosis included tracheostomy after 10 days of orotracheal intubation and endotracheal tube cuff pressure ≥30 mm H2O. The surgical variables associated with higher rates of stenosis included percutaneous technique and insertion of an initial tracheostomy tube size >6. Bjork flap creation was negatively associated with stenosis. In multivariable analysis, obesity and insertion of tracheostomy tube size >6 were identified as risk factors. Conclusion Greater than 10 days of orotracheal intubation prior to tracheostomy and endotracheal tube cuff pressure ≥30 mm H2O were associated with greater rates of subsequent tracheal stenosis. The only patient-related factor associated with tracheal stenosis was obesity. Surgical variables associated with increased rates of subsequent stenosis included placement of a tracheostomy tube size >6, use of percutaneous technique, and failure to create a Bjork flap.

Clinical implications of differentiating between types of post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis.

Post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) can be divided into four types according to stenosis mechanism and site: subglottic, stoma, cuff, and tip granuloma. However, there is little information available regarding clinical differences among types of PTTS; therefore, we evaluated the clinical differences between these types. We retrospectively evaluated 99 PTTS patients who underwent interventional bronchoscopy between 2004 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups according to pathophysiological similarities as follows: subglottic or stoma type (n=59) and cuff or tip type (n=40). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups. However, silicone stents were more frequently needed in patients with subglottic or stoma type stenosis (76%) than those with cuff or tip type stenosis (55%, P=0.031) to maintain airway patency. On the contrary, permanent tracheostomy was more frequently performed in patients with cuff or tip type stenosis (50%) than those with subglottic or stoma type stenosis (19%, P=0.002). Finally, successful removal of the tracheostomy tube without surgery and procedure- or disease-related mortality were more frequently achieved in patients with subglottic or stoma type stenosis (71%) than those with cuff or tip type stenosis (45%, P=0.012). Although there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between PTTS types, patients with subglottic or stoma type stenosis had more favorable outcomes than those with cuff or tip type stenosis. Therefore, it could be important to distinguish between types of PTTS when assessing prognosis.

Tracheal Reconstruction after Post-Tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis under Cross-Field Anesthesia

Tracheal stenosis often has an iatrogenic origin and results from artificial ventilation combined with intubation or tracheostomy employed as a life saving emergency procedure In spite of a considerable improvement in the conditions of managing patients with life threatening conditions the issue of tracheal stenosis is ever present We present a case of tracheal reconstruction under the cross field anesthesia in a year old male having tracheal stenosis following endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy as well in his due course of treatment for the alleged gunshot injury nbsp

Tracheal Reconstruction after Post-Tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis under Cross-Field Anesthesia

Tracheal Reconstruction after Post-Tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis under Cross-Field Anesthesia

Clinical significance of differentiating post‐intubation and post‐tracheostomy tracheal stenosis

Post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) and post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) are serious complications in mechanically ventilated patients. Although the aetiologies and mechanisms of PITS and PTTS are quite different, little is known about the clinical impact of differentiating one from the other. We retrospectively conducted a chart review of 117 patients with PITS and 88 patients with PTTS who were treated with interventional bronchoscopy at Samsung Medical Center between January 2004 and December 2013. Compared to patients with PITS, patients with PTTS had a lower BMI, poorer performance status and more frequent neurological aetiologies, mid-to-lower tracheal lesions, total obstruction and mixed stenosis types. Although there were no differences in the number of patients who received silicone stents between the two groups, Montgomery T-tubes were more frequently used in the PTTS group than in the PITS group. The final success rate without surgery, mortality or tracheostomy in situ was higher in the PITS group than in the PTTS group (76.9% vs 63.6%, P = 0.043). Additionally, airway prosthesis removal was achieved in 46.2% of patients in the PITS group and in 33.0% of the PTTS group (P = 0.063). There were significant differences between PITS and PTTS in terms of patient and stenosis characteristics, treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Therefore, PITS and PTTS should be considered two different entities.

Long-period Indwelling T-tube Stent Therapy for Post-tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis

Long-period Indwelling T-tube Stent Therapy for Post-tracheostomy Tracheal Stenosis

Invited Commentary

Plojoux and colleagues [1Plojoux J. Laroumagne S. Vandemoortele T. Astoul P.J. Thomas P.A. Dutau H. Management of benign dynamic “A-shape” tracheal stenosis: a retrospective study of 60 patients.Ann Thorac Surg. 2015; 99: 447-454Scopus (19) Google Scholar] present their experience with primary endoscopic management of 60 patients with posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis. This particular lesion has been well described as a stomal complication of tracheostomy, with several factors felt to contribute to this complication. Oversizing of the tracheostomy tube to the size of the patient’s trachea, creation of too large an anterior tracheal defect at the time of tube placement, and leveraging against the wall of the stoma from unsupported ventilator tubing are important etiologic factors. The trachea is inevitably contaminated with bacteria and this too may play a role in the erosion of cartilage and the development of the A-shaped stenosis. Grillo [2Grillo H.C. Surgery of the trachea and bronchi.Chapter 11. BC Decker, Hamilton, ON2004Google Scholar] has quite clearly described the etiology and treatment of the condition. Figure 1 demonstrates the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. This report is interesting because it presents a multifaceted endoscopic approach with laser photoablation and stenting for the management of what in most centers is a surgical problem. The authors recognize and accept this. They also recognize that their contraindications for surgical intervention were often temporal in nature and that surgical intervention could have been done at a later time. Of the 60 patients, 13 required no therapy. Of the 47 remaining patients, 5 eventually had surgical resection, 20 had successful stabilization without a stent, 7 patients required a long-term tracheostomy, and 3 required a long-term T tube. Of the 13 patients treated with a long-term stent, 10 required repeated long-term stents and were considered “partial successes.” To summarize, the treatment successes were 5 surgical patients, 20 of 22 patients who were managed without a stent, and the partial success of 10 long-term stent patients. The readers of The Annals will find this report interesting and an addition to treatment options in very sick patients. I would contest the premise, however, that stenting as primary therapy for dynamic A-shaped tracheal stenosis is more effective than surgical resection in experienced hands. Management of Benign Dynamic “A-Shape” Tracheal Stenosis: A Retrospective Study of 60 PatientsThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 99Issue 2PreviewBenign tracheal stenosis complicates tracheal intubation or tracheostomy in 0.6% to 65% of cases. Surgical resection is the standard treatment. Endoscopic management is used for inoperable patients with 17% to 69% success. Dynamic “A-shape” tracheal stenosis (DATS) results in a dynamic stenosis with anterior fracture of tracheal cartilage and frequently associated posterior malacia. We report the results of our multidisciplinary management. Full-Text PDF