Congenital tracheal stenosis: report of three cases

Three infants of congenital tracheal stenosis were experienced in our hospital from 1987 to 1990. They were free from perinatal insult with the onset of symptoms at less than three months of age. Their clinical course deteriorated progressively and all died of respiratory failure in spite of the use of respirator and intensive care. One case received tracheoplasty 2 days before he died. This rare disease entity confronts neonatologist and pediatric surgeon with very high mortality. Only certain types of this disease may be corrected by advanced reconstructive surgery. Congenital tracheal stenosis is usually diagnosed by bronchoscopy, bronchography, xerography or computed tomography. The clinical characteristics and therapeutic management of our cases are discussed and literatures reviewed.