Tracheal Disorders

Tests and Diagnosis

Bronchoscopy involves having a lighted flexible camera passed through your mouth and into the large airways to visualize portions of your trachea and lungs.
Laryngoscopy is when a lighted flexible camera is passed through your mouth and into the larynx to observe your larynx and upper respiratory tract.
Biopsy is when a small amount of tissue is removed during bronchoscope and viewed under a microscope in order to identify cellular changes.
PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computed tomography) scans use penetrating waves to produce images. Often used to detect cancer, a PET scan introduces a radioactive substance through a patient’s vein, which collects in organs and tissues, and is detected by a scanner and converted into 3-D images. CT scans show the structure of and blood flow to and from organs.
Pulmonary function test and six-minute walk test are used to establish lung function.

Tracheal resection and reconstruction occurs when a surgeon removes the constricted section of your trachea and rejoins the upper and lower sections.
Stent therapy involves placing a narrow tube made out of metal or silicone (stent) in a narrowed or constricted airway to keep it open.
Laser therapy uses a highly focused beam of light to shrink or remove the tumor or to remove scar tissue that is causing stenosis.
Brachytherapy uses a bronchoscope to help deliver radiation therapy directly to the tumor cells.
Bronchoscopic tracheal dilation is the widening of the trachea, either with a balloon or surgical instruments, to provide temporary relief of symptoms and allows surgeons to determine how much of the trachea is affected by the stenosis.

Call (412) 359-GERD (412) 359-4373 in Pittsburgh or (844) 412-GERD (844) 412-4373 in Erie for more information or to book a consultation.