A Case of Delayed Subglottic Stricture and Tracheal Cartilagitis Possibly Caused by Cricothyrotomy

Abstract

Subglottic stricture has been reported usually as a complication of tracheotomy or orotracheal intubation. However, as a result of recent wide use of mini-tracheotomy instruments such as the MiniTrach^TM through the cricothyroid membrane, cases of subglottic stricture after mini-tracheotomy have been reported. We experienced a case of delayed subglottic stricture possibly caused by insertion of MiniTrach^TM after radical esophagectomy, followed by wide airway stenosis with tracheal cartilagitis. The cause of subglottic stricture was thought to be injury of the cricoid cartilage, irritation to the tracheal mucosa, or local infection during MiniTrach^TM placement. We conclude that gentle handling and early removal of the MiniTrach^TM are necessary to prevent subglottic stricture after of MiniTrach^TM insertion in order to reduce risk of irritation to the tracheal mucosa and/or infection.