title: Balloon dilatation of tracheostomal stenosis with cuffed tracheostomy tube. A novel approach to tracheostomal dilatation.
abstract: Postlaryngectomy tracheostomal stenosis is a common complication. Stomal narrowing can be severe, requiring urgent management with dilatation of the stoma. There are numerous ways to achieve this, ranging from forcibly inserting a larger tracheostomy tube, using a graduated dilator, to surgical intervention in the form of a stomaplasty. We describe an alternative technique using a readily available cuffed tracheostomy tube.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT, Milton Keynes General Hospital, Standing Way, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Samuel A C
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mackeith
authors.forename: Miran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pankhania
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hettige
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gurr
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*