[Balloon dilatation of the trachea as treatment for idiopathic tracheal stenosis].
The treatment of choice for idiopathic tracheal stenosis is tracheal resection and anastomosis, although some authors prefer more conservative management. Between January 1, 1996 and January 1, 2005, 8 patients-all women-with idiopathic tracheal stenosis were treated in the chest surgery department of the Hospital Universitario La Fe in Valencia, Spain. One case was treated by means of surgery and so was excluded from this study. The remaining 7 women were treated by tracheal balloon dilatation; 4 required just 1 dilatation (and remained asymptomatic), 2 required 2 dilatations, and 1 required 4 dilatations. The median symptom-free interval was 25.5 months, and there was no associated mortality or morbidity. We conclude that balloon dilatation, which was not associated with mortality or morbidity, is a suitable treatment option for idiopathic tracheal stenosis.
Unidad de Cirugía Torácica, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain. carlosjorda@ono.com
Carlos
C
Jordá
Juan Carlos
JC
Peñalver
Juan
J
Escrivá
José
J
Cerón
José
J
Padilla
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*