A Case of Stenosis of the Tracheal Carina Caused by Invasion of Recurrent Esophageal Leiomyosarcoma Treated by Nd-YAG Laser and Stent

Abstract

A 49-year-old female with recurrent esophageal leiomyosarcoma invading the carina complained of severe dyspnea. Bronchoscopy revealed remarkable stenosis of bilateral main bronchi due to the recurrent tumor. Therefore endoscopic Nd-YAG laser therapy was immediately performed to improve dyspnea. Bronchoscopy after the Nd-YAG laser treatment revealed a long stenosis from the orifice of the right main bronchus to the distal end of the truncus intermedius and a localized stenosis of the orifice of the left main bronchus. A silicone stent with silicone rings around the outside, 12mm in length and 9mm in external diameter, was inserted into the orifice of the left main bronchus with a flexible bronchofiberscope under local anesthesia. Good fixation and sufficient patency was obtained. This stent was useful for improving the quality of the patient's life.