Related Experiment Videos
Laryngeal changes following long-term stenting with polyvinyl chloride tubes
N G Mandal1, V Muralidhar, S Kumar
1All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
The National Medical Journal of India
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Prolonged nasotracheal stenting with polyvinyl chloride tubes can cause significant laryngeal changes. Limiting stenting to under four weeks is recommended to prevent permanent laryngeal damage and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Tracheal stenosis requires inert stents to prevent re-stenosis and promote healing.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stents are not widely available in India, leading to the use of endotracheal tubes.
- Prolonged nasotracheal stenting with PVC tubes is practiced in some centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the pattern and incidence of laryngeal changes associated with prolonged nasotracheal stenting using PVC tubes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 29 patients undergoing tracheal reconstructive surgery for stenosis or injury.
- Laryngeal changes were assessed using an operating microscope at the time of stent removal.
- Data on lesion type, duration of stenting, and patient demographics were collected.
Main Results:
- Twelve distinct laryngeal lesions were identified, with fibrosis, fibrous bands, and webs appearing after four weeks.
- The overall incidence of laryngeal changes was 79%, affecting all age groups.
- Patients with laryngeal changes had a significantly longer stenting duration (mean 56 days) compared to those without lesions (mean 29 days).
Conclusions:
- The incidence and severity of laryngeal changes increase after four weeks of stenting.
- Restricting the use of PVC stents to less than four weeks is recommended to mitigate permanent laryngeal damage.
- This finding has implications for managing tracheal stenosis and optimizing stent use in clinical practice.