Is Surgical Treatment Effective for Tracheal Stenosis?
Treatment Details
- Operation time: 2-3 hours
- Surgical method: Endoscopic
- Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
- Hospital stay: 1 Day
- Return to work: Day 7
- Full recovery period: 1-3 Months
- Duration of permanence: Lifelong
The trachea is a vital organ located directly below our vocal cords and extending to the lungs. Narrowing of the trachea can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, straining during coughing, a choking sensation, snoring, and a high-pitched sound during inhalation.
The most significant cause of tracheal stenosis is prolonged intubation in intensive care. Especially during the SARS COVID-19 period, the number of patients presenting with tracheal stenosis increased significantly. It can also occur due to rheumatological diseases, chemical gases, or short-term intubations (surgeries). Rarely, tracheal stenosis can develop without a clear cause.
We primarily treat tracheal strictures endoscopically through the mouth. This procedure, which we refer to as balloon dilation, allows patients to breathe more easily and expands their airways. For individuals whose tracheal stenosis persists after repeated endoscopic procedures, open surgical repair of the trachea becomes unavoidable. In an open surgery, the damaged part of the trachea is removed, and the healthy parts are stitched end-to-end. After this procedure, most patients can return to their normal lives without problems. In patients whose condition recurs despite these surgeries, silicone supports called stents are used to keep the airway open.
The most significant cause of tracheal stenosis is prolonged intubation in intensive care. Especially during the SARS COVID-19 period, the number of patients presenting with tracheal stenosis increased significantly. It can also occur due to rheumatological diseases, chemical gases, or short-term intubations (surgeries). Rarely, tracheal stenosis can develop without a clear cause.
We primarily treat tracheal strictures endoscopically through the mouth. This procedure, which we refer to as balloon dilation, allows patients to breathe more easily and expands their airways. For individuals whose tracheal stenosis persists after repeated endoscopic procedures, open surgical repair of the trachea becomes unavoidable. In an open surgery, the damaged part of the trachea is removed, and the healthy parts are stitched end-to-end. After this procedure, most patients can return to their normal lives without problems. In patients whose condition recurs despite these surgeries, silicone supports called stents are used to keep the airway open.
If a tracheostomy has been performed before these treatments, the goal is for the patient to be permanently free from the tracheostomy. We achieve this in many of our patients, enabling them to return to their normal lives.
