[Inoperable tracheal and cricoid-tracheal stenoses. Results of laser therapy and prolonged calibration]

Palliative desobstruction was performed with laser and a Montgomery T tube in 11 patients with tracheal or cricotracheal stenosis. Surgery was theoretically indicated for these long thick stenotic areas with underlying diseased cartilage but could not be performed due to the poor clinical status of the patients or recurrence after anastomosis. Calibration with the Montgomery T tube was maintained for a mean of 5 years. The T tube was removed in 3 patients and was well tolerated in 4. Two patients died during the course of the study and two others required a definitive tracheotomy. Palliative treatment with Laser desobstruction and long-term calibration can be a useful alternative to conventional surgery.