Stenting for ischemic tracheal stricture following surgery for esophageal cancer

The present study reports a case of self-expanding metallic stent implantation for tracheal stricture caused by ischemia after surgery for esophageal cancer. A 64-year-old man received subtotal esophagectomy with a three-field lymph node dissection for thoracic esophageal cancer. After surgery, dyspnea appeared on the 48th postoperative day. The bronchofiberscope showed a tracheal stricture with attached necrotic tissue, which was histologically diagnosed as cartilage with necrosis. Because conservative treatments including temporary tracheostomy and administration of steroids, vitamin E, and other agents failed to improve dyspnea, a self-expanding metallic stent was inserted for tracheal stricture under general anesthesia. After stenting, there were no further respiratory problems and the patient was discharged from hospital. Implantation of a self-expanding metallic stent was a useful and safe approach for the management of postoperative ischemic stricture of the trachea in this case.