First Tracheal-Y Airway Stenting Saves Patient with Metastatic Thymoma in Nellore District
09 Jan 2026 |
Medicover Hospitals |
Nellore
A successful district’s first tracheal Y-shaped self-expanding metallic airway stenting is performed by our specialists at Medicover Hospitals Nellore. This is a procedure that ultimately saved the patient's life by restoring vital breathing function.
About the Patient's Condition
A 55-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a large and aggressive tumor in the chest (mediastinum). A PET-CT scan revealed a mass measuring 8 × 8 × 8 cm, showing high metabolic activity, tissue breakdown, and calcification.
- Partially compressed the Superior Vena Cava (SVC)
- Crossed the midline of the chest
- Severely compressed the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus
- Invaded the right upper lobe of the lung
Because of this, the patient developed progressive breathlessness and was unable to lie flat, making further cancer treatment impossible.
Critical Evaluation and Emergency Intervention
The patient was prescribed chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, during the radiotherapy planning, he experienced severe breathing difficulties due to critical airway narrowing and SVC obstruction.
At this stage, our oncology team contacted the interventional pulmonologist, Dr Katamreddy Kowshik Reddy, for an urgent evaluation.
During bronchoscopy, we found:
Tracheal-Y Airway Stenting: The Life-Saving Procedure
The specialized Tracheal-Y airway stenting procedure was performed with careful consideration of potential risks, such as airway injury or stent misplacement, ensuring patient safety and confidence in our expertise.
This specialized stent:
- Reconstructed a stable airway involving the trachea and both main bronchi
- Restored uninterrupted airflow to both lungs
- Relieved severe breathlessness immediately
The procedure was completed successfully and safely, stabilizing the patient and allowing him to breathe comfortably.
Tracheal-Y Airway Stenting Outcome and Recovery
Following airway stenting:
- The patient's breathing improved significantly
- Oxygen levels stabilized
- He was able to lie flat without distress
- He is now fit to proceed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy
This intervention ensured that definitive cancer treatment could continue without delay.
Doctor's Perspective
Dr. Katamreddy Kowshik Reddy, Interventional Pulmonologist, said:
“Even patients with advanced and complex airway obstruction can now receive life-saving treatment in Nellore itself. With procedures like Tracheal-Y airway stenting, there is no longer a need to travel to metro cities for advanced airway care.”
Our Commitment to Nellore’s Healthcare
The milestone achieved by our specialists reflects Medicover Hospitals, Nellore's growing expertise in advanced interventional pulmonology and complex airway management.
Our team is now equipped to offer Tracheal-Y airway stenting to eligible patients in Nellore and nearby areas, with specific criteria determined by our specialists to ensure the best outcomes.
At Medicover Hospitals, we remain committed to:
- Delivering advanced care closer to home
- Managing high-risk and complex conditions
- Combining expertise, technology, and teamwork to save lives
Contributors
Pulmonology