Brief Answer: Airway reconstruction is necessary Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Blessed are the ones who have caring friend like you. I do understand your concern about your friend. I assume she has tracheostomy stoma after undergoing pharyngolaryngectomy . These are the causes of respiratory distress in her case 1. Tracheal stenosis 2. Spinal deformity: Presence of Thoracic spine deformity can also compromise effective lung expansion. This along with the stenosis are the main cause of respiratory distress. The stenosis rarely undergoes 100% obliteration. But when there is airway oedema like in respiratory infection the lumen could get significantly compromised. There is minimum lumen required ( at least 30 percent of normal lumen) to maintain easy flow of air. As she has already developed episode of difficulty in breathing and respiratory distress, it signifies critical narrowing of airway. If it's not responding to dilatation, it definitely calls for airway reconstruction Surgery. I would suggest you to discuss the fitness with operating Surgeon and anaesthetist. I have discussed your case with my spouse and colleague who deal with airway reconstruction. In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak

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