Nonmalignant (Benign) Airway Obstruction

Diseases other than cancer may result in major airway obstruction. While surgery is often the definitive management for these conditions, many patients can not tolerate major surgery or prefer less invasive techniques. We offer a variety of therapeutic options for these patients, including those with post-intubation or post-tracheostomy stenosis, extrinsic airway compression, or granulation tissue. We also treat more complex cases such as laser extraction of previously placed metal airway stents.

Some of the benign causes of airway obstruction treated at VCU Medical Center include:

• Post-intubation tracheal stenosis
• Tracheobronchial papillomatosis
• Post-tracheotomy stenosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Idiopathic laryngeal-tracheal stenosis
• Tracheobronchial malacia
• GERD associated subglottic stenosis
• External beam radiation stenosis
• Obstructing granulation tissue
• Hamartoma
• Post –TB bronchial stenosis
• Lung transplant anastomosis
• Relapsing Polychondritis
• Thyroid compression
• Tracheal esophageal fistula
• Traumatic airway tear
• Tracheal stricture from stents
• Endobronchial infection
• Kyphoscoliosis: compression & bronchial torsion
• Vascular aneurysm tracheal obstruction
• Retained bullet bronchial obstruction