Management of congenital tracheal stenosis in the neonatal period

Few reports have focused on the management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) in the neonatal period. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate management strategies for CTS in the neonatal period.

The medical records of eight neonatal patients with CTS at a single institution between January 2007 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.

Three patients with frequent ventilatory insufficiency despite assisted ventilation underwent surgical intervention (balloon tracheoplasty: n = 1, slide tracheoplasty: n = 2). Ventilatory insufficiency improved after surgery in all three patients. One patient who underwent slide tracheoplasty died due to non-airway-related causes. Observation or conservative management was performed in five patients with minimal respiratory symptoms or stable ventilation under assisted ventilation. All five patients were safely managed non-operatively in the neonatal period.

Depending on the severity of ventilatory insufficiency, there are two management strategies for CTS in the neonatal period. Surgical intervention, such as balloon tracheoplasty or slide tracheoplasty, is indicated for patients with unstable ventilatory status despite assisted ventilation. Observation or conservative management is a more suitable option for neonates with stable ventilation.