Reconstructive techniques for extensive post-intubation tracheal stenosis

Extensive destruction of the trachea by post-intubation stenosis is usually the result of ill-advised treatment, either conservative or excisional, of an already existing stenosis. Under these circumstances, reconstruction may be done by use of adjunctive techniques, the chief of which is laryngeal release. The rarity of the need for adjunctive procedures is indicated by the fact that only 28 patients out of 208 required such procedures in an extensive series of reconstructions for these lesions. This series included 33 patients who had undergone prior attempts at surgical reconstruction and many extensive lesions which were referred to us because of their difficulty. It is emphasized that these stenoses can generally be managed safely by intubation if they are non-resectable and non-reparable, with long-term life expectancy.