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Tracheal Stenosis

Tracheal stenosis is a stricture in the trachea by either known or unknown reasons.

Risk factors include precipitating events, lesions, or infections. Specific examples include, but are not limited to: blunt trauma, inhalation injury, previous tracheostomy, goiter, mass, and infections such as tuberculosis or histoplasmosis.

Signs and symptoms:

  • Progressive coughing
  • Worsening shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Hemoptysis (bloody sputum)
  • Hoarseness

Surgical Interventions:

  • Tracheal Dilation

    A bronchoscopy is performed to visualize the trachea and, then the surgeon either uses a rigid bronchoscope or a balloon dilator in attempt to open the stricture.

  • Stent/T-tube placement

    A tracheal stent can be placed in order to manage an airway stricture and is usually placed during a bronchoscopy. A T tube is a type of stent that passes through the airway stricture and has an extra-luminal end.

  • Tracheal Resection

    Tracheal resection is a surgery where the damaged portion of the trachea is removed.