[Postintubation stenosis of the trachea treated by silicone stent implantation]

22 patients with postintubation trachea stenosis were treated by silicone stent insertion. The stenosis were discovered 107 days after an average 14 days of mechanical ventilation. Mechanical and/or laser photocoagulation were followed by silicone stent implantation. In 13/22 case this combined therapy resulted a significant improvement in the ventilation. After unsuccessful intervention in 2 cases surgical resection, in 5 cases Montgomery T-tube implantation were performed. A tracheotomy was performed in one case, an other patient died due to the unresolved main airway stenosis. These results suggest that in the treatment of postintubation stenosis the silicone stent implantation is indicated as a first line therapy. 12 months after the insertion could attempt to remove the prosthesis. In the case of restenosis surgical resection or Montgomery T-tube implantation are the choice of therapy.