Endoscopic laser treatment of benign tracheal stenoses

We present the technique and results of endoscopic neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment of benign tracheal stenoses. This therapy was used in 15 patients with tracheal stenoses. Benign tracheal granulomas were caused by prolonged tracheal intubation in eight patients, permanent maintenance of tracheostomy tube in five patients, and nonspecific inflammatory process of the trachea in two patients. The clinical picture was dominated by dyspnea and stridor. The achievement of normal tracheal patency required several laser therapy sessions, repeated at 5- to 7-day intervals. In 30% of patients additional laser vaporization was required as well. The immediate and short-term results were encouraging; in all cases the normal tracheal lumen was restored, resulting in alleviation of patients' symptoms.