Post-Tubercular Upper Airway Stenosis: Our Experience

Abstract

Ab s t r Ac t Aim: This study describes the findings seen in patients suffering from stenosis of the upper airway secondary to tuberculosis (TB) and its management. Materials and methods: A prospective study was done at a tertiarycare hospital between August 2017 and April 2019 on four patients diagnosed with airway stenosis secondary to TB. Results: There were three males and one female, and the age ranged from 18 to 38 years. Rechanneling of the stenosed segment was done using cold instruments and CO2 laser, used alone or in combination. One patient developed recurrence even after undergoing two procedures which had to be eventually treated by resection anastomosis. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment with antitubercular medications is the key to prevent the development of airway stenosis. The treatment of stenosis involves surgical intervention using cold instruments and laser, and the chances of getting satisfactory results are good. Regular follow-up of such patients is extremely important. Clinical significance: Development of airway stenosis secondary to TB is a dreaded sequelae of the disease pathogenesis. This entity should be kept as one of the differential diagnoses while evaluating patients with upper airway stenosis in whom the etiology of the condition remains elusive.