One-lung ventilation in a patient with stenting for tracheobronchial stenosis caused by esophageal cancer

We have provided general anesthesia for a 53-year-old man scheduled to undergo lymph node removal for right mediastinal lymph node metastases caused by esophageal cancer. One year prior, acute respiratory failure occurred because of stenosis of the carinal bifurcation resulting from advanced esophageal cancer with tracheal invasion. The patient underwent placement of tracheobronchial stents (Spiral Z Stent) in two locations (left main bronchus and trachea/right main bronchus), followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the present case, after an 8.5-mm-ID tracheal tube was placed under bronchoscopic guidance, a 7.0 Fr. bronchial blocker (Arndt Endobronchial Blocker; Cook, Bloomington, IN, USA) was carefully inserted into the stent in the right main bronchus. Next, 3 ml air was injected into the blocker cuff, and left-sided one-lung ventilation was performed. After surgery was completed, the bronchial blocker was removed under bronchoscopic guidance. We confirmed there was no tracheobronchial injury nor stent displacement or deformation, then removed the tracheal tube. Even in patients with tracheobronchial stent placement, one-lung ventilation can be safely and reliably performed by selecting an appropriate bronchial blocker, along with careful insertion into the stent and frequent checking of the blocker position.     

Anesthetic management for placement of tracheobronchial stents in patients with airway stenosis

We report the anesthetic management for stents placement in patients with tracheobronchial stenosis. The subjects were 6 patients with lung cancer and one patient with tracheal invasion of esophageal cancer. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium, and maintained with propofol and vecuronium. After intubation, tracheostomy was performed. The patients were kept apnic during insertion of stents. Three patients had dynamic stents inserted from tracheostomy site and one orally. Three patients had Dumon stents inserted orally, but the procedure in one patient was cancelled because her stent could not be placed at appropriate position. We recommend the anesthetic management through the tracheostomy site for the placement of Dumon tubes or dynamic stents.     

Treatment of a fractured ultraflex stent causing tracheal stenosis.

We report on a case of a fractured Ultraflex stent after placement for malignant tracheal stenosis. The patient was a 49-year-old female with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea causing airway stenosis. She was treated by non-covered Ultraflex stent followed by chemoradiotherapy. Twenty months after stent placement, more than half of the distal end of the stent was fractured and caused airway stenosis, while there was no tumor regrowth. After dilation by balloon and bougienage using an endotracheal tube, an additional non-covered Ultraflex stent was placed within the first one, resulting in successful dilation. The patient is now well without any problem with the stent, 12 months after the second stent placement.     

A case of cuff stenosis following tracheostomy responding well to T-tube stent insertion: with special reference to methods of dilating the stenosed site.

A 74-year-old man, receiving home oxygen therapy (HOT), required tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation because of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced pneumonia. Tracheostomy was additionally performed. One month later, he had recovered from pneumonia and the tracheostomy tube was withdrawn, allowing the patient to be discharged. One month after discharge, the patient began to complain of wheezing and difficulty in breathing and was thus admitted again to the hospital. Emergency bronchoscopy revealed cuff stenosis. A bronchofiberscope, 4.8 mm in outer diameter (o.d.), was unable to pass through the stenosed site. After the airway was secured by passing a Mini-Trach II tube (4.0 mm in inner diameter (i.d.) and 5.4 mm o.d.) through the stenosed site via the previous tracheostomy stoma, we changed the inserted tracheal tube every other day, replacing it each time with a tube of progressively larger i.d. and o.d. We went from 5.0 mm i.d. (6.9 mm o.d.) to 6.0 mm i.d. (8.2 mm o.d.), 7.0 mm i.d. (9.6 mm o.d.) and finally to 8.0 mm i.d. (10.9 mm o.d.). In this way, the stenosed site was gradually dilated. Finally, a silicon T-tube with 9.0 mm i.d. (11.0 mm o.d.) was inserted via the tracheostomy hole into the trachea and left there. At present, 2 years after the procedure, the patient is continuing HOT and is being followed at an outpatient internal medicine clinic. Cuff stenosis affects the trachea concentric-circumferentially and often relapses even after laser therapy. For these reasons, stent insertion is usually considered as necessary when dealing with cuff stenosis. Our technique of tracheal dilation is safe and simple, and does not require any special device or tool other than tracheal tubes. We report that silicon T-tube stents are optimal for treatment in cases of cuff stenosis.     

Anesthetic management of tracheobronchial stent insertion and extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA)

We experienced eight cases of general anesthesia for tracheobronchial stent insertion. All stents were Ultraflex stent (Boston Scientific, Tokyo), and they were inserted guided by bronchofiberscopy under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with patients under spontaneous breathing, and we inserted a tracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and sevoflurane. In four cases with severe tracheobronchial stenosis, we used venovenous extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) before general anesthesia induction. Oxygenation during stent insertion was well-maintained in all patients. We must evaluate the severity of tracheobronchial stenosis preoperatively. In high risk cases anticipated of airway obstruction, ECLA should be used for safe anesthetic management.     

Granulation stenosis caused by a Dumon stent placed for endobronchial tuberculous stenosis

Two patients with cicatric tracheobronchial stenosis caused by tuberculosis who suffered granulation stenosis after placement of a Dumon stent are reported. Dumon stents, which were long enough to cover the stenotic sites, were placed in the trachea and left main bronchus of each patient. Granulation tissue grew at both edges of the stent 3 or 4 months after stent placement, which caused restenosis and necessitated removal of the stents. The authors conclude that a Dumon stent for treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis caused by tuberculosis can cause granulation stenosis at the edges of the stent.     

气管支架置入术治疗气管恶性狭窄的并发症分析

目的探讨应用气管支架治疗气管恶性狭窄的并发症。方法回顾性分析1999年11月—2011年6月在局麻和数字减影血管造影机下应用气管支架治疗气管恶性狭窄的25例患者资料,其中6例置入Z型不锈钢支架,19例置入镍钛记忆合金支架,观察支架相关并发症。结果置入Z型不锈钢支架的6例患者中,所有支架置入后即刻完全扩张,2例出现支架移位,随访期中支架再狭窄3例,其中肿瘤增生性狭窄1例,黏稠痰液阻塞性狭窄1例,支架断裂伴肉芽增生性狭窄1例;置入镍钛记忆合金支架的19例患者中,术中无支架移位,2例即刻完全扩张,17例术后3天～3个月扩张完全,随访期内支架再狭窄2例,其中肿瘤增生性狭窄1例,肉芽增生性狭窄1例。所有患者术后呼吸困难即刻明显改善。结论应用气管支架治疗气管恶性狭窄有一定并发症,但仍是一种作用迅速、效果显著的治疗措施。     

The airway management using laryngeal mask airway and tracheal fiberscopy in a pediatric patient with tracheal stenosis after tracheostomy

A 9-year-old boy was scheduled for excision of tracheal granuloma which had developed at the tip of a tracheostomy tube. Instead of a tracheostomy tube, a 4 mm ID tracheal tube was inserted via the tracheostomy beyond the tracheal constriction because of rapid development of respiratory failure. General anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and oxygen via the tube, and a size 2.5 laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted without muscle relaxant. Spontaneous respiration remained. Under monitoring by fiberoptic tracheoscopy via the LMA, the tracheal tube was extubated carefully. An 8 Fr. suction tube was indwelled via the tracheostomy beyond the stenosis for oxygen supply. After sealing the tracheostomy, he could breath spontaneously through the LMA. During the excision of tracheal granuloma by holmium:YAG laser, fiberoptic observation was continued via the LMA, and the procedure was performed without any complication. We conclude that the tracheal stenosis can be managed using the LMA, continuous fiberoptic monitoring and additional option of keeping spontaneous ventilation.     

A new intratracheal stent for tracheobronchial reconstruction: experimental and clinical studies

An intraluminal tracheal stent (ITS) was used experimentally in rabbits and piglets, as well as clinically in infants with tracheal stenosis, to facilitate airway reconstruction. The ITSs were constructed of stainless-steel springs covered with silicone rubber. They were implanted in seven piglets (6 to 8 kg), five rabbits (3 to 5 kg) and three infants. No animals developed severe respiratory distress and all appeared to tolerate the ITS. Postmortem examinations 1 to 8 weeks after surgery showed (1) loss of stent fixation (one pig), (2) increased tracheal secretions, (3) pneumonia (one pig, two rabbits), and (4) focal squamous metaplasia of tracheal mucosa. Stents used to treat three infants (2 to 5 months of age) with complex tracheobronchial stenosis were placed at the time of periosteal tracheoplasty in two. Recurrent stenosis necessitated a second tracheoplasty and stenting in one, and a long tracheostomy tube and balloon dilatations in the other. The third child had endoscopic stent insertion to alleviate severe airway collapse after esophageal tracheoplasty. The child died from progressive respiratory failure after stent dislodgment. Although the stents were well tolerated in animals and they enhanced critical ventilation of all pulmonary lobes in infants after tracheal reconstruction, certain modifications such as alternative methods of fixation, accommodation for tracheal growth, and reduction in tissue reactivity are necessary before further use of the ITS can be advocated.     

Refractory post-transplant airway strictures: successful management with wire stents

Objective: Bronchial stenosis, malacia and dehiscence are major airway complications of lung transplantation. Our success in managing this problem evolved from the use of semi-rigid dilators, to balloon dilation and placement of a stent, which were initially silicone, thereafter wire balloon-expandable and finally wire self-expandable. Methods: From May, 1994 until July 1997, we performed a total of 49 single and 58 bilateral lung transplants. Symptoms of shortness of breath, verified by a drop in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), led to bronchoscopic inspection of the airway in lung transplant patients. Eighteen patients (16%) suffered a severe form of airway complication (dehiscence or stenosis) in 24 of 151 airways at risk (15.9%). These anastomotic strictures were recalcitrant to conventional therapy. Intervention consisted of rigid bronchoscopy, dilation of the stricture and placement of a stent. Flexible bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy were used for precise placement of the stent. As the initial stent, the Hood silicone stent was placed five times in four patients and the Dumont studded stent five times in four patients. The Palmaz wire stent was used as the initial stent 10 times in seven patients and the Wallstent used eight times in seven patients. Four patients had multiple stents. Balloon inflation moulded the wire stent to the airway. Results: There was no mortality resulting from the airway complication or any intervention. The most serious complication was a perforation of the airway using the semi-rigid dilator that necessitated immediate thoracotomy and re-anastomosis of the bronchus. Other complications necessitated repeat interventions due to restenosis or failure of the stents. The success of the stent placement was measured subjectively by the immediate ease of breathing enjoyed by each patient and objectively by the significant increase of the FEV₁ from a pre-operative mean of 1.19 l (SD 0.64 l) to a post-operative mean of 2.06 l (SD 0.70 l) (P<0001). The mean number of interventions according to the type of wire stent first used was significantly fewer with Wallstent insertion (1.28 (SD 0.48)) than in those patients in whom a Palmaz stent was inserted (5.22 (SD 2.38)) (P<0008). Conclusion: The airway complication of stricture, broncho-malacia or dehiscence following lung transplantation can be managed effectively and easily with the use of balloon catheter dilation followed by precise placement of a self-expandable wire stent. The Wallstent is the superior stent for this application.     

Endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy: early results of a consecutive trial

Percutaneous tracheostomy is increasingly being used for patients needing prolonged ventilatory support. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of widespread application of endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Sixty-one consecutive ICU patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation underwent bedside endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Using a modified Ciaglia technique, a #6-10 tracheostomy tube was introduced between the second and third tracheal rings. Bronchoscopic transillumination facilitated identification of the appropriate tracheostomy site, and verified satisfactory placement of dilators and tracheostomy tube. There was one procedure-related death due to arrhythmia. Procedure-related complications included (n = 7): bleeding (controlled with local pressure), two infections, two cuff tears, and two obstructions of the tracheal tube. The tracheostomy was eventually removed in 13 patients. Bronchoscopic evaluation of three patients at 4 months post-tracheostomy removal was normal and there has been no clinical evidence suggestive of tracheal stenosis in the remaining ten extubated patients. There was a 50% reduction in cost when compared to operative tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a simple, safe, cost-effective bedside procedure for critically ill ventilator-dependent patients. Endoscopic guidance appears to increase the safety of this procedure and may prevent complications of pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and paratracheal false passage previously reported with blinded percutaneous methods.     

Daily and long-term balloon dilation via minitracheostomy in cicatric bronchial stenosis

We developed balloon dilation for bronchial stenosis via minitracheostomy. The balloon catheter was introduced via minitracheostomy into the stenotic bronchus. The balloon was inflated 4 hours per day. We conducted this procedure for a tuberculous cicatric stenosis of the left lower lobe bronchus. The bronchus was sufficiently dilated after eight applications. Compared with conventional balloon dilation via the mouth, the patient had less discomfort and could undergo treatment for a longer time and more frequently.     

逆行球囊扩张治疗输尿管狭窄

目的：评价逆行球囊导管扩张治疗输尿管狭窄的效果。方法：采用逆行球囊导管对21例输尿管狭窄患者进行扩张治疗,其中结石导致的狭窄10例,输尿管开放手术后9例,盆腔放疗术后2例,扩张后留置双J管。结果：20例扩张成功,症状和肾积水缓解,肾功能不同程度改善,2例拔出双J管后发生再狭窄,肾积水无变化或加重需进一步治疗。结论：逆行球囊扩张治疗输尿管狭窄是一种安全有效、简便易行的方法,可以作为输尿管狭窄的首选治疗。     

人体原位肝脏移植术后胆道与血管并发症的放射介入治疗

目的 评估放射介入治疗在人体原位肝脏移植病人术后胆道与血管并发症中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析自1999年1月至2001年4月我院连续实施的48例人体原位肝脏移植的临床资料，总结放射介入技术治疗术后胆道与血管并发症的实施体会。结果 术后经T管胆道造影术及核磁共振胆胰管成像（MRCP）证实，3例病人存在胆道狭窄，其中2例为肝门部胆管与肝总管狭窄，1例为吻合口处胆管狭窄，共实施经T管窦道选择性球囊扩张术6例次，胆道狭窄得以改善，肝功能好转。术后经彩色多普勒超声、核磁共振血管造影（MRA）及静脉造影证实，2例病人存在肝上下腔静脉狭窄与门静脉吻合口狭窄，分别实施肝上下腔静脉狭窄段球囊扩张术1例次，肝上下腔静脉内支架置入术2例次、门静脉内支架置入术1例次。放射介入治疗后，影像学检查显示血管狭窄基本消失，病人肝功能明显好转、腹水显著减少、尿量增加。5例中最长1例健康存活至今已超过19个月。结论 肝脏主后应常规联合应用胆道造影术和MRCP了解胆树全貌，彩色多普勒超声和MRA监测血管血流动力学，以尽早诊断胆道和血管并发症；及时果断采用正确的放射介入技术处理胆道与血管并发症可取得良好疗效。     

Nitinol stent for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of implantation of a nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) stent for the treatment of malignant or benign tracheobronchial stenosis. METHODS: We evaluated 18 patients (14 men and 4 women) who received 24 nitinol stents, between November 1997 and May 2000. All 18 patients had severe dyspnea caused by tracheobronchial stenosis. The underlying condition was malignant disease in 15 patients, and benign tracheal collapse in the other 3 patients. RESULTS: Implantation of the stent was successfully performed in all patients. Seventeen patients experienced immediate clinical improvement in respiratory symptoms. The remaining 1 patient with a bronchial fistule after lobectomy did not benefit, and died of pneumonia at 16 days after the implantation. In 15 patients, the procedure was performed using a flexible bronchoscope under local anesthesia alone, while the remaining 3 patients needed intravenous sedation. There was no complication resulting from the stent implantation. Among the 3 patients with benign tracheal collapse, 2 patients were alive at 746 and at 401 days after the stent implantation, at the time of this report. One patient with cicatricial stenosis after intubation died of heart failure due to previous myocardial infarction. Among the 15 patients with malignant disease, 4 patients have survived for 177 to 305 days to date, while the other 11 patients have died of primary malignancy with a mean survival duration of 60.2 days. CONCLUSION: The nitinol stent was effective in treating malignant or benign tracheobronchial stenosis, and had some remarkable advantages compared with other tracheobronchial stents. In stenting, most procedures can be performed using flexible bronchoscope under local anesthesia.     

Application of rectal stents for palliation of obstructing rectosigmoid cancer

Background: The rationale of palliative endoscopic treatment is to avoid a colostomy in patients with advanced disease and limited life expectancy. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of endoscopic stent implantation for palliation of obstructing rectal cancer. Methods: Overall, 19 patients (aged 47–87 years) with nonresectable or metastatic rectal cancer were treated by stent insertion after laser recanalization or dilation. Three types of stents, i.e., plastic tubes (n= 8), self-expanding mesh stents (n= 6), and endocoil stents (n= 5), were used to maintain luminal patency. Results: Endoscopic stent implantation was successfully performed in all 19 patients. Long-term luminal patency and satisfactory bowel function were achieved in 16 of 19 patients (84%). After a median follow-up of 6 months, eight of the patients have died and eight are still alive without evidence of recurrent obstruction. Dislocation of the endoprosthesis occurred in two of eight plastic tubes and one of five mesh stents. Recurrent obstruction due to tumor ingrowth was only observed in patients treated with self-expanding mesh stents (n= 2). In spite of reinsertion and laser therapy a colostomy was required in three of 19 patients. There was no evidence of treatment failure in five patients who received endocoil stents. None of the patients experienced serious complications related to the endoscopic procedure. Conclusions: Endoscopic stent implantation seems to be a safe and efficient palliative approach to selected patients with obstructing rectal cancer. Currently, self-expanding coil stents are superior to other devices because of lower risk of dislocation and tumor ingrowth. Received: 10 May 1996/Accepted: 11 November 1996     

Tracheoplasty for tracheal cuff stenosis post long-term tracheostomy

We encountered a case of tracheal stenosis post tracheostomy, so-called cuff stenosis. A 43-year-old man with ventricular septal defect (VSD) was treated by oral endotracheal intubation because of heart-failure and pneumonia, and tracheostomy was performed. He was placed on artificial ventilation for almost 3 months. Four months after discharge, he complained of dyspnea and was treated by oral endotracheal intubation again. At that time bronchofiberscopy demonstrated severe circumferential stenosis of the trachea 4 cm from the tracheostomy spot and that was compatible with the cuff site. Although the stenotic portion was dilated by an endotracheal tube, 47-days after dilation, the portion was restenosed to almost 7 mm in diameter. Therefore, surgical treatment was necessary and tracheoplasty was performed by end-to-end suture after 2 cm (4 ring) resection of trachea. Tracheoplasty is the most reliable method of treating cuff stenosis after tracheostomy.     

Perioperative management for placement of tracheobronchial stents

Tracheobronchial stenting was performed under general anesthesia, with (six patients) or without (two patients) muscle relaxant, in eight patients suffering from carcinoma. All patients had presented preoperatively with dyspnea, exhibiting Hugh-Jones grade 4 or 5. Three patients had been mechanically ventilated before the procedure. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia with flexible bronchoscopic guidance. Stent placement was performed either through an orotracheal tube (four patients) or through a transtracheal tube (two patients) in those who had no upper tracheal stenosis, while it was performed through a laryngeal mask airway in two patients with upper tracheal stenosis. During the procedure, arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (Sp_O2) decreased in all patients, despite fraction of inspired oxygen (FI_O2) being maintained at 1.0. Except for two patients, one of whom developed superior vena cava syndrome and one, tension pneumothorax after stent placement, there were no complications resulting from stent placement. Six patients were weaned from mechanical ventilation (0–24 days after the procedure). Two of the three patients who had been on mechanical ventilation preoperatively could not be weaned. Stent insertion is an effective treatment for tracheobronchial stenosis, but its indications in patients with malignancy who have been mechanically ventilated prior to stenting should further be evaluated.     

Anesthetic management of patients with tracheal stenosis for endoscopic treatment: usefulness of laryngeal mask airway

We report two cases of tracheal stenosis for endoscopic treatment under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway. The tracheal stenosis of the two patients was so close to the glottis that endotracheal tube could not be inserted, and laryngeal mask airway was beneficial for maintaining airway and obtaining operating field. During the procedure, patients breathed spontaneously and we could support their ventilation easily and sufficiently. Endoscopic treatment of the airway obstruction by Nd-YAG laser associated with balloon dilatation and stent is an effective method of relieving the distressing symptom of asphylaxia, and laryngeal mask airway is considered to be useful for performing successful endoscopic procedure.     

Percutaneous placement of permanent metal stents for treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of permanent metal stent placement in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures following failed balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Metal stents were placed in six ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures in four patients presenting with recurrent obstruction after balloon dilation or laser endoureteromy. Patients were evaluated at 1 week postoperatively with antegrade ureterography and at 3 to 6 months with renal ultrasound or CT scans. Serum creatinine assays and physical examination were performed at serial postoperative clinic visits. RESULTS: At 1-week follow-up, antegrade studies demonstrated a patent anastomosis in all six strictures. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (range 7-12 months), no stricture recurrence has been seen. All patients have been clinically stable, without episodes of pyelonephritis, flank pain, or need for indwelling stents or nephrostomy tube placement. Serum creatinine concentrations have been stable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Metal stents offer a useful treatment option in patients who develop ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures after urinary diversion. Further, such stents may be used in patients failing balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy. Further study to assess the long-term durability of metal stent placement is needed.