Abstract: Objective To observe the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of cryotherapy and balloon dilation for severe benign central airway stenosis through laryngeal mask. Methods Forty-five patients with severe benign central airway stenosis were envolved from January 2011 to December 2013. The patients were treated with cryotherapy and balloon dilation under general anesthesia through laryngeal mask. The airway diameter, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Hugh-Jones classification, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) and quality of life scores were compared before and after treatment. The short- and long-term efficacy and complications were followed up. Results After three to eigth courses of treatment, airway diameter, FEV1, Hugh-Jones classification, PaO₂ and quality of life scores were improved significantly (P<0.05). Thirty-eight patients (84.4%) relieved well. Their tracheal diameters reached more than 50% of the original ones and the corresponding lung lobes reexpaned completely. The lung lobes of 7 patients (15.6%) reexpanded partly. Recent adverse reactions were sore throat and cough (11 cases, 22.4%), bloody sputum (17 cases, 37.8%), and pneumothorax (2 cases, 4.4%). With the follow-up for 18 months, restenosis occurred in 5 patients (11.1%, 2.5 months averagely). After the treatment of cryotherapy and balloon dilation, the symptoms relieved. Conclusion Cryotherapy and balloon dilation for severe benign central airway stenosis through laryngeal mask is effect and safe, worthy to be promoted clinically.

Key words: Balloon dilation, Airway stenosis, Laryngeal mask, Cryotherapy