Successful treatment of a level IIIA tracheal rupture following endoscopic balloon dilation

Endoscopic balloon dilation of tracheal stenosis is usually a safe procedure. However, there are life-threatening complications that physicians performing the procedure need to be aware of. A 43-year old woman with a multi-level tracheal stenosis following lengthy intubation and a tracheostomy was treated with endoscopic balloon dilation. This resulted in an almost total rupture of the posterior tracheal wall. Here a safe and successful conservative treatment approach is reported.

Automated summary

Endoscopic balloon dilation of tracheal stenosis is generally safe, but physicians should be aware of life-threatening complications. A 43-year old woman with multi-level tracheal stenosis due to intubation and tracheostomy underwent endoscopic balloon dilation, resulting in almost complete rupture of the posterior tracheal wall. This article reports a safe and successful conservative treatment approach.