Evaluation of post intubation tracheal stenosis in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital during 1999-2006

ABSTRACT

Tracheal stenosis is one of the most important complications of intra tracheal intubation, resulting in heavy economic burden and several somatic problems in patients. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are important issues. Current study was performed to evaluate this complication in a series of patients. This was an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital [Tehran, Iran] during 1999-2006. A total of 197 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age of the patients was 24.8 years. 74.1% were male and 25.9% female. The most common reasons for intubation were trauma and drug suicide. Mean duration of intubation was 17.76 days and stenosis was developed 32.8 days later on average. Therapeutic method was endoscopic resection and dilatation of the involved region in 98%, and laser-therapy in 2% of patients. In-hospital mortality rate was only 0.5%.Despite many difficulties that post intubation tracheal stenosis cause, it is a preventable complication. Role of intensive care personnel is very important in this regard