[The problem of tracheal stenosis following laryngectomy (author's transl)]

The striking frequency of tracheal stenoses following laryngectomy gave reason for considerations on the typical causes. In our case-materials 9 tracheal stenoses were observed following 229 laryngectomies during the period from 1952 to 1972. Two of these cases represent typical stenoses produced by pressure. Within a short period of time, from 2 days up to 6 months after operation the 7 remaining cases represented marked tracheal stenoses with the mucosae showing no signes of irritation. These stenoses had been registered since 1965 only, i.e. after the introduction of the general application of insufflation anesthesia in every case of laryngectomy at our clinic. These observations gave reason for supposing that the procedure of anesthesia had to be seen as responsible for the development of tracheal stenoses. Under unfavourable circumstances during operation, even if the tube is inserted for a short period of time the anemising pressure effect of the cuff of the tube might - beside other wellknown factors - produce damages on the tracheal wall.