Abstract
Background: Idiopathic tracheal stenosis (ITS) is a rare condition. A therapeutic option is endoscopic management, but long term results are not established. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to analyze long-term outcome after endoscopic management of ITS.
Methods: Patients endoscopically treated for ITS were included in 9 institutions involved in interventional bronchoscopy. A standard form was used to report patients and stenosis characteristics and long term outcome after endoscopic management.
Results: Twenty-three patients, 96% women, age: 45±16 years, were endoscopically treated for ITS. Time between first symptoms and diagnosis was 19±18 months. Bronchoscopy showed a web-like (61%) or complex (39%) stenosis, located in the upper part of trachea mainly in the cricoid area. Endoscopic treatment included mechanical dilation only (52%) or associated with laser or electrocoagulation (30%) and stent placement (18%). All procedures were efficient with no morbidity or mortality reported. The follow-up after endoscopic management was 41±34 months. ITS recurrence occurred in 30% at 6 months, 59% at 2 years and 87% at 5 years with a delay of 14±16 months. The treatment of recurrence (n=13) included endoscopic management in 12 cases.
Conclusion: Endoscopic management of ITS provides a safe and efficient therapeutic option but late recurrences are frequent and requires long term follow-up.
- © 2011 ERS
