Totally obstructing tracheotomy-associated suprastomal granulation tissue

Although tracheotomy-associated suprastomal granulation tissue is quite common, suprastomal granulation tissue that totally obstructs the airway is relatively rare and can be associated with serious complications. In this report the complications and management of six cases of totally obstructing suprastomal granulation tissue (TOSGT) are presented. Complications associated with the presence or management of TOSGT included progression of subglottic stenosis, development of posterior laryngeal stenosis, development of supraglottic stenosis following CO2 laser supraglottoplasty, and dislodgement of the TOSGT with distal tracheal obstruction resulting in anoxic brain injury. It is recommended that the tracheotomy tube remains in position at all times during attempted removal, and that if endoscopic removal is not possible, that open tracheoplasty is the safest method for removal. Measures that may decrease the chances of recurrence include diligent diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bacterial infection. TOSGT may be a marker for some patients with abnormal wound healing. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.