Oesophageal Balloon Tracheoplasty in Early Tracheal Stenosis following Percutaneous Tracheostomy

Abstract

Percutaneous tracheostomy is an efficient technique used in intensive care units. Although a safe procedure, serious early and late complications can occur. A rare complication is suprastomal stenosis following inadvertent tracheal cartilage fracture resulting in stenosis. Management is complicated, often requiring specialised equipment. While surgical treatment techniques are evolving, none are universally applicable. We report a case of early tracheal stenosis following percutaneous tracheostomy, treated successfully using a novel technique of oesophageal balloon tracheoplasty. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of immediate post percutaneous tracheostomy suprastomal stenosis treated with balloon tracheoplasty using an oesophageal balloon catheter which is readily available in most endoscopy units.