Tracheal Stenosis & Airway Reconstruction Surgery

Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis:

Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the windpipe that can occur after radiation therapy, prolonged use of a breathing tube, or other procedures.

Tracheal stenosis, including subglottic stenosis, is a narrowing of the trachea that causes breathing problems. It can develop when scar tissue forms in a person’s trachea due to prolonged 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.

Airway Reconstruction Surgery:

Airway stenosis (Narrowing of the lumen of the airway) can occur due to prolonged insertion of ventilation tubes, infections, etc., which sometimes can be life-threatening, if not addressed promptly.

Audible Respiratory sounds and dyspnea on exertion can give a clue to suspect.

Management options include dilation (widening) of the stenosed (narrowed) airway which require suspension laryngoscopy system to continuously visualize while operating, jet ventilation for airway maintenance during surgery, laser equipment to remove the tissue causing stenosis and balloon dilation system to dilate (widen) the narrowed (stenosed) part of the airway. Stent insertion may sometimes be required depending on the situation.

Utilising all the latest equipment, our senior surgeons with vast experience and technicality has successfully managed several cases without any complications since decades.

Why Airway Reconstruction Is Performed

Laryngotracheal stenosis is a condition that results in the windpipe, or the airway, becoming more and more narrow. Obstruction can occur for various reasons, such as:

• Congenital laryngeal stenosis (a physical defect present at birth)
• Laryngotracheal tumor
• Infection
• Trauma or injury to the windpipe

Obstruction of the airway can cause various health concerns, including:

• Sleep apnea
• Inability to swallow correctly
• Husky or hoarse voice
• Inability to breathe correctly
• Difficulty eating

Airway reconstruction is performed to open the airway, eliminate symptoms associated with a blocked airway, and permanently restore the normal function of the airway.

Benefits of Airway Reconstruction

Airway reconstruction provides patients various benefits, such as:

• Creates an airway that remains open, allowing for the normal and healthy facilitation of breath.
• Provides an alternative treatment to tracheotomy, a procedure in which a hole is surgically created in the trachea to provide an additional hole for breathing.