Emergency management of tracheal stenosis. Retrograde tracheal bougienage.

A new technique for immediate though temporary relief of airway obstruction due to tracheal stenosis is described. Introduction of a small gauge cuffed endotracheal tube past the stenotic segment, followed by repeated withdrawal with the cuff inflated, allows for effective and safe retrograde bougienage. Airway patency is maintained throughout. Following this procedure introduction of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy cannula is facilitated and definitive surgery can be planned.