CO₂ laser treatment of tracheal stenosis

Abstract

Conclusion: Delivery of a carbon dioxide laser is an effective method and can be used in selected cases of tracheal stenosis. Objectives: To present retrospective experience in tracheal stenosis of 16 patients treated by bronchoscopic delivery of carbon dioxide laser, considering the characteristics of the treated stenosis, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative outcomes and complications. Methods: All demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Chest and neck computed tomography scans were performed to assess the stenosis, including length, location, and glottic involvement. The stenotic area was evaluated endoscopically according to an adapted Meyer and Cotton grading scale. Results: The aetiology of the tracheal stenosis was intubation-related in 14 cases, and idiopathic in two cases. The duration of intubation ranged between 1 hour to 26 days. According to the Myers-Cotton classification, mean stage of stenosis for the study group was 3.3 ± 0.5. Mean length of the stenosis was 23.75 ± 6.95 (range = 15–40) mm. Mean follow-up for the study group was 23.81 ± 7.11 (range = 12–38) months. Postoperative decannulation was achieved in 13 patients (81.3%), and decannulation was not achieved in three patients (18.7%).

Keywords:

• Tracheal stenosis
• carbon dioxide
• laser

Acknowledgments

The English in this document has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing o the paper.