Tracheal Stenosis
Head and Neck Tumour Surgery
Tracheal Stenosis
Introduction
The trachea, commonly called the windpipe, is the airway between the voice box and the lungs. When this airway narrows, the condition is known as tracheal stenosis, which restricts the ability to breathe normally.
This condition may present from birth or acquired later in life. Most cases of tracheal stenosis develop as a result of prolonged breathing assistance known as intubation when a breathing tube is inserted into the trachea to help maintain breathing during a medical procedure — or from a tracheostomy, which is a surgery to create an opening in the neck to access the trachea. Sometimes it happens following external injury to the throat. Benign or malignant tumours arising in or outside the trachea can narrow the trachea.
Patient will have difficulty in breathing with a high-pitched noise while breathing in. Sometimes mistaken as asthma. Tracheal stenosis should be suspected if the breathing difficulty does not respond to treatment. Laser or dilators can be used to widen the airway and these are temporary solutions only.
A tracheal stent is a tube made out of metal or silicone that is placed in the collapsed airway to help keep it open. Tracheal Resection and Reconstruction — During a tracheal resection, the narrowed section of the trachea is removed and then the upper and lower sections of trachea are joined together. This is usually a very successful treatment for stenosis, with excellent long-term results.
The Heart Of Clinic
Dr. C. Rayappa MBBS, DLO, FRCS(Edin)
SENIOR CONSULTANT
+91 44 3315 1105
Dr. C. Rayappa graduated from Madras Medical College, Chennai, India in 1982. He completed his post graduation in Otolaryngology (ENT)
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The Heart Of Clinic
Dr. C. Rayappa MBBS, DLO, FRCS(Edin)
SENIOR CONSULTANT
+91 44 3315 1105
Dr. C. Rayappa graduated from Madras Medical College, Chennai, India in 1982. He completed his post graduation in Otolaryngology (ENT)