Management of Tracheal Stenosis in Sub-Saharan Medicalized Context: Real Challenge about Two Clinical Cases

Introduction: Post-intubation tracheal stenosis (STPI) is a complication of ventilatory assistance by intubation and/or tracheotomy. Her frequency is estimated between 10% to 20%. The treatment of choice remains surgery. It is based on tracheal resection-anastomosis which guarantees satisfactory and reliable long-term results. Objectives: To determine the frequency of post-intubation tracheal stenosis, to specify the diagnostic and therapeutic methods, to determine the complications and the evolution. Material and methods: This was a study carried out in the ENT and head and neck surgery department of the University Hospital Center Gabriel TOURE. Our study focused on two (02) cases of post-intubation tracheal stenosis (STPI) collected during a period of 1 year (January 2021 to December 2021). Results: They are all acquired, secondary to an intubation. The two (02) cases benefited from a tracheal anastomosis resection, the indications of which were specified and the results and complications evaluated. Conclusion: Our results show that resection anastomosis remains the reference treatment for STPI.

Laryngotracheal Stenosis Following Intubation for COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Report of Two Cases

Benign laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition that is commonly caused by iatrogenic events as a result of endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. Numerous cases are being published for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who end up with severe LTS after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy. Here, we presented two cases of LTS due to prolonged intubation after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The characteristic of these two cases is that both of them needed second time intubation and were readmitted because of severe dyspnoea and all the workup for post-COVID-19 complications were investigated except the LTS which was later diagnosed after one month of suffering of these patients.

Case Reports:Anesthetic management of emergent critical tracheal stenosis

Two case reports of emergent anesthesia of critical tracheal stenosis are presented. The use of extracorporeal circu-lation may be a lifesaving method for these patients. Two patients both with severe lower tracheal stenosis were admitted with severe inspiratory dyspnea. The first patient had a tracheal tube inserted above the stenosis in the operating room, but ventilation was unsatisfactory, high airway pressure and severe hypercarbia developed, therefore extracorporeal circulation was immediately initiated. For the second patient, we established femoral-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass prior to induction of anaesthesia, and intubated above the tracheal tumor orally under general anesthesia, then adjusted the endotracheal tube to appropriate depth after the tumor had been resected. The patient was gradually weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The two patients all recovered very well after surgery. Surgery is lifesaving for patients with critical tracheal stenosis, but how to ensure effective gas exchange is crucial to the anesthetic management. Extracorporeal circulation by the femoral artery and femoral vein cannulation can gain good gas exchange even if the trachea is totally obstructed. Therefore, before the induction of anesthesia, we should assess the site and degree of obstruction carefully and set up cardiopulmonary bypass to avoid exposing the patient to unexpected risks and the anesthesiologist to unexpected challenges.

Rapid Establishment of Tracheal Stenosis in Pigs Using Endotracheal Tube Cuff Overpressure and Electrocautery

To apply a new airway treatment to humans, preclinical studies in an appropriate animalmodel is needed. Canine, porcine and leporine tracheas have been employed as animal airwaystenosis models using various methods such as chemical caustic agents, laser, and electrocautery.However, existing models take a long time to develop (3- 8 weeks) and the mechanism of stenosisis different from that in humans. The aim of the present study was to establish a new and fasttracheal stenosis model in pigs using a combination of cuff overpressure intubation (COI) andelectrocautery. Fourteen pigs were divided into three groups: tracheal cautery (TC) group (n=3),COI group (n=3), and COI-TC combination group (n=8). Cuff overpressure (200/400/500 mmHg)was applied using a 9-mm endotracheal tube. Tracheal cautery (40/60 watts) was performed usinga rigid bronchoscopic electrocoagulator. After intervention, the pigs were observed for 3 weeks andbronchoscopy was performed every 7 days. When the cross-sectional area decreased by > 50%, itwas confirmed that tracheal stenosis was established. The time for tracheal stenosis was 14 days inthe TC group and 7 days in the COI-TC combination group. In the COI group, no stenosis occurred.In the COI-TC group, electrocautery (40 watts) immediately after intubation for>1 h with a cufpressure of 200 mmHg or more resulted in suficient tracheal stenosis within 7 days. Moreover, thedegree of tracheal stenosis increased in proportion to the cuff pressure and tracheal intubation time.The combined use of cuf overpressure and electrocautery helped to establish tracheal stenosis inpigs rapidly.

Epinephrine use during chemotherapy to treat severe tracheal stenosis secondary to advanced esophageal cancer:A case report and review of the literature

Dyspnea from tracheal stenosis due to compression by a tumor is an emergency that complicates therapy in oncology.We report a case of advanced esophageal cancer in a 56-year-old male who developed severe dyspnea due to airway compression by mediastinal lymph node enlargement.We used epinephrine by subcutaneous injection and aerosol inhalation to temporarily relieve dyspnea while the patient received bevacizumab and chemotherapy.The dyspnea had subsided considerably after 5 days,and the mediastinal lymph nodes were significantly reduced after 2 cycles of chemotherapy.However,the patient died of massive tracheal hemorrhage 2 months later.

Self-Expanding Nitinol Stent for Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis Caused by Pulmonary Hypertension:1 case report

A 38 year-old man was admitted because of half a year of recurrent bouts of eough and shortness of breath and 20 days of hemoptysis. He had been apparently healthy until the illness. In the recent 6 months, the dyspnea and fatigue gradually onset and became more severe, the hemoptysis being 100-200 mL per day. Spells of chest pain are associated with coughing. Despite accepting antibiotic and antispasmodic therapy in a hospital, there was no obvious improvement and he was transferred to our hospital. Physical examination on admission: He was in acute distress and anemic face With P 110/min., R 30/min., T36. 8oC and Bp 100/60 mmHg. There were Wheezes, medium and fine

Results of Montgomery T-Tube in Primary Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis

Introduction: For tracheal stenosis, tracheal resection and anastomosis is widely considered the treatment of choice. However, this surgical approach is not feasible when the glottis and subglottis are involved or in patients with a poor general condition and tracheal stents are a plausible means of providing a permanent or temporary airway opening. Objectives: Evaluate the features and the results of patients with Montgomery T-tube in tracheal stenosis. Methods: Fifteen patients with Myer-Cotton grades 2-3 circular cicatricial tracheal stenosis who received a Montgomery T-tube between 2002-2011 were analyzed in terms of age, gender, etiology, duration of intubation, location and size of the stenotic segment on computed tomography(CT), follow-up time with the T-tube, the complications that occurred after T-tube removed and additional tracheal surgery. Conclusion: A T-tube can be applied in tracheal stenosis at the first treatment before attempting surgery. The patients should be closely followed-up due to the possibility of re-stenosis and other complications.

Surgery for Acute Complicated Tracheal Stenosis

Tracheal stenosis is a serious, life-threatening disease with increasing incidence. Among these stenoses, the number of complicated tracheal lesions, where a resection and anastomosis is not successful or not applicable, is also increasing significantly. These acute situations often need to be managed by a combined surgical technique. The present paper is dedicated to this topic;the management of combined surgical and endoscopic technique in case of complicated long tracheal stenosis.

Effect of three interventional bronchoscopic methods on tracheal stenosis and the formation of granulation tissues in dogs

Background Therapeutic approaches for tracheal stenosis caused by the formation of exuberant granulation tissues usually include electrocautery, mechanical dilation, laser therapy, argon plasma coagulation （APC）, cryotherapy and stent placement. However, restenosis after stent insertion remains a significant limitation. We examined the efficacy of three different approaches, including induction of mechanical lesions, APC performed with different powers or durations and cryotherapy, to identify the method that limited the formation of granulation tissue. Methods Twelve specially bred research mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. In group 1 （four dogs） mild （procedure 1; two dogs） or moderate （procedure 2; two dogs） damage was induced mechanically. Group 2 （six dogs） received APC at different powers or durations （procedure 3：30 W, 1 cm/s; procedure 4：30 W, 2 cm/s; procedure 5：25 W, 3 cm/s）. Group 3 （two dogs） received cryotherapy （procedure 6： two freeze-thaw cycles of 30 seconds）. Uncovered self-expandable metallic stents were inserted in all dogs to maintain a continuous stimulus to the trachea mucosa. Dogs were monitored for 4 weeks and the relationship between granulation tissue proliferation and method used was analyzed. Results In group 1, granulation tissue growth increased with more severe mechanical damage. The growth of granulation tissue in group 2 was more pronounced than in group 1, and both dogs in procedure 3 died because of severe stenosis. In this group, the formation of granulation tissue decreased with decreasing power and duration. In group 3, no obvious granulation tissue was found at week 4. Conclusions Lesions and stimuli from a foreign body （the stent） are two important factors that lead to overgrowth of granulation tissue. Thermal lesions, such as APC, seem to induce greater granulation tissue growth and cartilage damage compared with mechanical and cryotherapy lesions. Cryotherapy in combination with mechanical dilation may be a safe and effective treatment method for managing tracheal stenosis caused by the formation of granulation tissue.

Management of Benign Tracheal Stenosis by Small-diameter Tube-assisted Bronchoscopic Balloon Dilatation

Background：A limitation of bronchoscopic balloon dilatation （BBD） is that airflow must be completely blocked for as long as possible during the operation.However,the patient often cannot hold his or her breath for a long period affecting the efficacy of the procedure.In this study,we used an extra-small-diameter tube to provide assisted ventilation to patients undergoing BBD and assessed the efficacy and safety of this technique.Methods：Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation was performed in 26 patients with benign tracheal stenosis using an extra-small-diameter tube.The tracheal diameter,dyspnea index,blood gas analysis results,and complications were evaluated before and after BBD.Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 16.0 for Windows （SPSS,Inc.,Chicago,IL,USA）.Results：Sixty-three BBD procedures were performed in 26 patients.Dyspnea immediately improved in all patients after BBD.The tracheal diameter significantly increased from 5.5 ± 1.5 mm to 13.0 ± 1.3 mm （P 〈 0.001）,and the dyspnea index significantly decreased from 3.4 ± 0.8 to 0.5 ± 0.6 （P 〈 0.001）.There was no significant change in the partial pressure of oxygen during the operation （before,102.5 ± 27.5 mmHg;during,96.9 ± 30.4 mmHg;and after,97.2 ± 21.5 mmHg;P =0.364）,but there was slight temporary retention of carbon dioxide during the operation （before,43.5 ± 4.2 mmHg;during,49.4 ± 6.8 mmHg;and after,40.1 ± 3.9 mmHg;P 〈 0.001）.Conclusion：Small-diameter tube-assisted BBD is an effective and safe method for the management of benign tracheal stenosis.

Endoscopic treatment of thoracic tracheal stenosis with T-tube through tracheotomy opening in six patients

Cervical or thoracic trauma, tracheotomy and tracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation tiaerapy are themain reasons of tracheal stenosis. Recently the incidence of tracheal stenosis is gradually increasing. Tracheal stenosis is an irreversible, progressive disease and the only effective treatment is surgical removal of stenosis tissue to restore normal tracheal lumen. From January 2008 to April 2011, 6 patients with thoracic tracheal stenosis in our department underwent tracheotomy and T-tube stent implantation by endoscope with good results.

Congenital tracheal stenosis in infants and Children

Background Congenital tracheal stenosis （CTS） is a challenging airway problem. CTS in infants and children can be life-threatening. During last thirty years, a large number of studies covering the diagnosis, clinical presentation, managements, especially surgical treatments of CTS have been reported. This review aimed to conclude recognized knowledge of CTS and provide clues for managing infants and children with CTS.

Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the endoscopic treatment of severe benign airway stenosis:A case report and literature review

Ventilation strategies in patients with severe tracheal stenosis should be tailored to the patient according to the underlying cause and narrowing location.This report is on a case of a 68-year-old male patient,who was admitted for radiotherapy because of esophageal cancer and then developed severe stenosis at the cervical trachea.We used venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to secure the airway and ensure adequate oxygenation.Then urgent endoscopic balloon dilation of airway stenosis was successfully performed under general anesthesia.This case shows that venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used in endoscopic tracheal procedures for patients with severe benign stenosis in the upper-trachea who are unable to tolerate conventional ventilation.

Montgomery-T型管在喉气管狭窄治疗中的应用

目的探讨Montgomery-T型管(简称T管)在喉气管狭窄治疗中的疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年6月~ 2019年3月东南大学附属中大医院收治的28例喉气管狭窄患者,术前通过电子喉镜、喉气管薄层CT+三维重建、纤维支气管镜检查,明确喉气管狭窄的位置和范围,其中声门区狭窄8例,声门上区合并声门区狭窄1例,声门区合并声门下区狭窄3例,颈段气管狭窄16例。根据狭窄部位,对16例颈段气管狭窄患者采用颈前入路切开气管内瘢痕及肉芽+T管置入术,12例患者行支撑喉镜下CO2激光切除喉气管内瘢痕及肉芽+T管置入术。内镜下T管的放置是在支撑喉镜下利用喉钳夹持布带穿过T管侧支和其上支端协助进行。结果 24例患者首次术后6~12个月顺利拔除T管,1例术后出现呼吸困难取出T管,经2次置管半年后拔除,3例随访未满半年,仍在观察期。结论喉气管狭窄的患者,T管治疗是一种安全、简便、耐受性好、有效的方法,可以显著提高患者的生活质量。

Geleophysic dysplasia caused by a mutation in FBN1:A case report

BACKGROUND Geleophysic dysplasia(GD)presents the characterized clinical manifestations of acromelic dysplasia,including extremely short stature,short limbs,small hands and feet,stubby fingers and toes,joint stiffness and others.It is clinically distinct from the other acromelic dysplasia in terms of symptoms such as cardiac valvular abnormalities,progressive hepatomegaly and tracheal stenosis.CASE SUMMARY We report on a Chinese 9-year-old girl with GD with the c.5243G>T(p.C1748F)mutation in FBN1(fibrillin 1,OMIM 134797).She was born in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China.The patient presented with typical clinical features of GD and recurrent respiratory tract infections over 6 years.Laboratory studies and chest computed tomography(CT)scan indicated bronchopneumonia.Her echocardiography revealed mild mitral valve thickening with regurgitation.Laryngopharyngeal CT and electronic bronchoscopy revealed severe glottic stenosis.Echocardiography examination displayed mild mitral valve thickening and regurgitation.Ophthalmic examination did not reveal myopia or lens dislocation.Treated with ceftriaxone sodium and methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection as well as methylprednisolone orally,patient’s symptoms had improved.CONCLUSION GD is a rare genetic condition that can cause life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory problems.This study also found that the identified genotype of GD could be related to different clinical phenotypes.

Comparative Analysis of Frequency and Structure of Complications after Various Options of Tracheostomy

The article presents a new technique developed by RSCS named after acad. V. Vakhidov for performing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy by using the improved Howard-Kelly forceps, which ensures stable traction of the guidewire and reduces the risk of trauma to surrounding tissues. In order to assess the feasibility and necessity of carrying out a modified method of tracheostomy, a comparative analysis of the frequency and structure of complications after various options for tracheostomy was carried out, taking into account the presence or absence of risk factors for an adverse outcome.

A comprehensive review on metallic biomaterials for airway stenosis repair

In recent years,the incidence of airway stenosis in respiratory diseases increases year by year.Among many treatment methods,tracheal stent implantation is a very effective way.Metallic stents have been the first choice for tracheal stent implantation due to their excellent mechanical properties,low rate of migration,and minimal effect on the ciliary movement of the trachea.In this paper,the research progress of metal tracheal stents is introduced in detail from three aspects of mechanical properties,degradation properties,and biocompatibility,including traditional inert metallic tracheal stents and new degradable metallic tracheal stents,and its future research and development are prospected:although the current research on biodegradable metal tracheal stents is still in its infancy,with only some studies of magnesium-based,iron-based,and zinc-based tracheal stents,they are considered as the best material for preparing future metal tracheal scaffolds considering their biodegradability and biocompatibility.

Paclitaxel Drug-eluting Tracheal Stent Could Reduce Granulation Tissue Formation in a Canine Model

Background：Currently available silicone and metallic stents for tracheal stenosis are associated with many problems.Granulation proliferation is one of the main complications.The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of paclitaxel drug-eluting tracheal stent in reducing granulation tissue formation in a canine model,as well as the pharmacokinetic features and safety profiles of the coated drug.Methods：Eight beagles were randomly divided into a control group （bare-metal stent group,n =4） and an experimental group （paclitaxel-eluting stent group,n =4）.The observation period was 5 months.One beagle in both groups was sacrificed at the end of the 1st and 3rd months,respectively.The last two beagles in both groups were sacrificed at the end of 5th month.The proliferation of granulation tissue and changes in tracheal mucosa were compared between the two groups.Blood routine and liver and kidney function were monitored to evaluate the safety of the paclitaxel-eluting stent.The elution method and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to characterize the rate of in vivo release of paclitaxel from the stent.Results：Compared with the control group,the proliferation of granulation tissue in the experimental group was significantly reduced.The drug release of paclitaxel-eluting stent was the fastest in the 1st month after implantation （up to 70.9%）.Then,the release slowed down gradually.By the 54 month,the release reached up to 98.5%.During the observation period,a high concentration of the drug in the trachea （in the stented and adjacent unstented areas） and lung tissue was not noted,and the blood test showed no side effect.Conclusions：The paclitaxel-eluting stent could safely reduce the granulation tissue formation after stent implantation in vivo,suggesting that the paclitaxel-eluting tracheal stent might be considered for potential use in humans in the future.

Surgical treatment for vascular anomalies and tracheoesophageal compression

Background Vascular rings are uncommon anomalies in which preferred strategies for diagnosis and management may vary among institutions. In this study, we reported our approach and a review of our 5-year experience. Methods From May 2006 to April 2011, 45 children （31 boys） with vascular rings underwent surgical repair at Beijing Children＇s Hospital. Nineteen patients （26%） had associated heart anomalies. Results There were two hospital deaths. At follow-up, 11 patients still had intermittent respiratory symptoms, but these symptoms had no effect on growth or physical activities. No patients required reoperation. Conclusions The rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of vascular rings are higher than those of other congenital heart diseases. A high index of clinical suspicion coupled with the use of computed tomography enables early diagnosis. Surgical repair can be performed successfully, although a number of patients will have persistent symptoms.