Bronchoscopic Stent Placement for Recurrent Post-Intubation Tracheal Stenosis after Surgical Repair: A Two-Case Report

Post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) is a potentially life-threatening but often underdiagnosed complication of prolonged mechanical ventilation. Its incidence is expected to increase with the global increase in intensive care unit admissions. We report two male patients, aged 60 and 18 years, in whom symptomatic tracheal restenosis developed after surgical repair for PITS. Both patients presented with dyspnea and stridor. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed with balloon dilation and silicone stent placement. In one case, granulation tissue developed as a complication of long-term stenting and was successfully treated with electrocautery. Both patients showed marked clinical improvement and maintained airway patency at 12-month follow-up. These cases highlight the importance of early recognition of PITS and indicate the value of bronchoscopic intervention as an effective salvage strategy when surgical repair is unsuccessful.