Custom nasopharyngeal dilator for management of pharyngeal stenosis: A multidisciplinary approach to long‐term airway patency

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is a rare but serious condition that can result from trauma, infection, or postoperative scarring, often leading to significant impairment of nasal breathing and quality of life. Surgical correction may be limited by a high rate of restenosis. This report describes a collaborative surgical-prosthodontic approach for managing recurrent nasopharyngeal stenosis in a 32-year-old male using a custom-fabricated acrylic resin dilator for at-home use. The device was modeled after a previously effective esophageal dilator and modified chairside for passive fit and patient comfort. The patient used the dilator twice daily, reporting improved nasal airflow without complications. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed a stable nasopharyngeal opening and no signs of restenosis. This technique demonstrates the potential role of prosthodontics in the long term, minimally invasive management of airway patency following nasopharyngeal surgery.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Prosthodontics
Published
2026-03-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.70133
Primary Topic
Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Custom nasopharyngeal dilator for management of pharyngeal stenosis: A multidisciplinary approach to long‐term airway patency

Jessica E. Canallatos, Robert Perry
Journal of Prosthodontics
Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies
article

Custom nasopharyngeal dilator for management of pharyngeal stenosis: A multidisciplinary approach to long‐term airway patency

Jessica E. Canallatos, Robert Perry
article en

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is a rare but serious condition that can result from trauma, infection, or postoperative scarring, often leading to significant impairment of nasal breathing and quality of life. Surgical correction may be limited by a high rate of restenosis. This report describes a collaborative surgical-prosthodontic approach for managing recurrent nasopharyngeal stenosis in a 32-year-old male using a custom-fabricated acrylic resin dilator for at-home use. The device was modeled after a previously effective esophageal dilator and modified chairside for passive fit and patient comfort. The patient used the dilator twice daily, reporting improved nasal airflow without complications. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed a stable nasopharyngeal opening and no signs of restenosis. This technique demonstrates the potential role of prosthodontics in the long term, minimally invasive management of airway patency following nasopharyngeal surgery.

Journal of Prosthodontics
Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo (US), University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 27%
Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies
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