Successful management of postintubation tracheal necrosis and perforation with temporary stenting

Benign tracheal fistulas are usually approached surgically. We report a case of a patient with a large tracheal necrosis and perforation after prolonged ventilation. The patient was deemed too ill for surgery. A conservative approach with temporary airway stenting was successful in stabilizing the patient and weaning her from the ventilator. The fistula healed spontaneously and the stent was removed without complications.