Emergency tracheal resection and reconstruction after severe tracheal stenosis-induced acute respiratory failure: A case report

Tracheal stenosis is a common complication that can occur after endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. Patients present after a couple of weeks with exertional dyspnoea, stridor, or, in an emergency, with respiratory collapse. Management becomes tricky in the presence of respiratory failure, as endotracheal intubation is not possible, especially with a subglottic stenosis, and front-of-neck access further compromises the tracheal integrity. We describe in this case report a clinical situation in which we proceeded with tracheal resection and reconstruction after initial stabilisation by medical management on the same day, aiming to avoid another episode of respiratory compromise and the need for tracheostomy. Our experience highlights the feasibility of fast-tracking tracheal resection and reconstruction after severe stenosis-induced acute respiratory failure in selected patients.