Laryngo-tracheal stenosis following endotracheal intubation

oleh: Janez Benedik, Primož Gradišek, Maja Šereg-Bahar, Simona Slabe-Vrečič, Avgust Župevc

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Slovenian Medical Association 2007-02-01

Deskripsi

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Despite significant improvements in the biocompatibility of materials used for tracheal tubes, laryngeal and tracheal lesions as long-term complications of artificial airways continue to be problematic in patients requiring prolonged airway support.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> We present a case of postintubation tracheal stenosis in a 63-year-old woman with a history of dyspnoea on exertion after a relatively short period of intubation. Endoscopic examination performed a few weeks later revealed a tracheal stenosis. Consequently, she underwent a tracheal resection and reconstruction with good overall result.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We highlight the fact that some patients with airway narrowing could be misdiagnosed as having bronchial asthma. The incidence of airway stenosis is relatively low, but a history of artificial airway should always be obtained. Endotracheal tube size and cuff pressure vare considered as two major risk factors for laryngo-tracheal stenosis.</p>