Improved technique for inserting a T tube in patients with subglottic stenosis.
An improved method for inserting a silicone T tube through a tracheostomy stoma in patients with subglottic stenosis is presented. A silicone T tube is pulled into the trachea with a catheter that is inserted into the tracheostomy stoma, advanced through the stenotic subglottic space, and pulled out the mouth. A cone-shaped dilator is placed beforehand at the proximal end of the vertical limb of the T tube to facilitate the passage of that end through the stenotic subglottic space. This method was used in 4 patients with good results. We suggest this technique be tried when attempts to insert a T tube by the usual method fail, as it can be performed under local anesthesia without special instruments and is technically easy.
Kato
R
R
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
Kobayashi
T
T
Watanabe
M
M
Kawamura
M
M
Kikuchi
K
K
Kobayashi
K
K
Ishihara
T
T
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014139:Tracheostomy