Therapeutic approaches in tracheal stenosis: Analysis of fifteen cases

Background: In this study, results of treatment of patients who had tracheal stenosis were evaluated. Methods: The clinical records of 15 patients (6 males, 9 females; mean age 39±23.2 years; range 8 to 70 years) who were treated for tracheal stenosis between June 1992 and October 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnostic method, localization, therapeutic approach and results of tracheal stenosis were investigated. Results: Tracheal stenosis was due to tracheostomy in six, prolonged intubation in five and malignancy in four patients. Rigid bronchoscopy was the most frequent diagnostic tool. Eight patients were treated conservatively. Diathermic resection was the first treatment of choice in nine patients. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis was used in seven patients and tracheal stent was used in six patients. Stents of three patients were removed within 12 to 18 months. Median duration of hospitalization was 12 days. Morbidity was seen in four patients; mortality was seen in three patients. Conclusion: The success rate in tracheal stenosis treated by surgery is 71 to 97% and it is 65 to 70% by conservative methods. Surgical options should be considered first, but conservative methods should keep in mind.