From Intubation to Tracheal Resection: Navigating Severe Airway Complications in a Post-COVID-19 Patient with Comorbidities

Syarifah Nafisah Al-Yahya; Norazila Abdul Rahim; Ilmi Akmaludin Mohamad; Noor Shahira Mohamad Fuzi; Masaany Mansor

doi:10.31436/imjm.v25i04.2856

From Intubation to Tracheal Resection: Navigating Severe Airway Complications in a Post-COVID-19 Patient with Comorbidities

Authors

Syarifah Nafisah Al-Yahya Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, Selangor, Malaysia
Norazila Abdul Rahim Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Ilmi Akmaludin Mohamad Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Noor Shahira Mohamad Fuzi Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Masaany Mansor Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i04.2856

Keywords:

Tracheal resection, Tracheal anastomosis, Laryngotracheal stenosis, Open airway surgery

Abstract

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a significant complication post-intubation in COVID-19 patients, with incidence rates between 12.7% and 40%, exacerbated by comorbidities like diabetes and obesity. We report a 44-year-old female with type II obesity (BMI=39.8 kg/m²), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, who developed LTS after 8 days of intubation for severe COVID-19. Her condition rapidly progressed from grade 3 to grade 4 LTS, requiring emergency tracheostomy, Shian-Yann-Lee procedure, and tracheal resection with anastomosis (TRA). Complications included anastomotic dehiscence, sepsis, and deep venous thrombosis. Serial dilatations and intralesional steroid injections (SILSI) were needed to manage restenosis. This case highlights the complexity of LTS management in patients with significant comorbidities, emphasising the need for early intervention, tailored strategies, and meticulous postoperative care to prevent complications like Critical Illness Weakness (CIW) and thromboembolic events.

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Published

01.10.2026

How to Cite

Al-Yahya, S. N., Abdul Rahim, N., Mohamad, I. A., Mohamad Fuzi, N. S., & Mansor, M. (2026). From Intubation to Tracheal Resection: Navigating Severe Airway Complications in a Post-COVID-19 Patient with Comorbidities. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 25(04). https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i04.2856

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Issue

Vol. 25 No. 04 (2026): IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia - October 2026

Section

Case Report

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