Postintubation tracheal stenosis: Surgical management

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) is a significant iatrogenic complication following endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy.
• It remains a leading indication for tracheal resection and reconstructive surgery, despite advancements in intensive care.
• The incidence of PITS is a growing concern, particularly in regions like Nigeria with increasing mechanical ventilation use.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old male patient presented with severe tracheal stenosis (2 cm length, 4 mm diameter).
• The stenosis resulted from prolonged endotracheal intubation and had previously undergone repeated bronchial dilatation.
• This case highlights the challenges in managing PITS, especially in resource-limited settings.

Findings:

• The patient underwent successful surgical management via resection and end-to-end anastomosis.
• This reconstructive surgery effectively addressed the severe tracheal stenosis.
• The outcome demonstrates the viability of surgical intervention for complex PITS cases.

Implications:

• Effective prevention strategies for PITS are crucial, given its prevalence and association with mechanical ventilation.
• Surgical resection and anastomosis offer a viable treatment option for severe tracheal stenosis.
• This case underscores the importance of skilled surgical management for iatrogenic airway injuries in Nigeria.