Manipal Hospital Goa Performs State’s First Advanced Airway Stenting Procedure, Saves Patient with Critical Breathing Condition

Goa’s healthcare sector has achieved a major milestone as Manipal Hospital Goa successfully performed the state’s first covered self-expandable metallic stent placement for a patient suffering from a complex and life-threatening airway condition.

View this post on Instagram

The patient had been experiencing severe breathing difficulties due to critical narrowing of the trachea caused by compression from an underlying esophageal tumour. The condition became even more serious due to the development of a tracheoesophageal fistula—an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus—which increased the risk of aspiration and severe respiratory complications.

The complex procedure was performed by the Department of Pulmonology at Manipal Hospital Goa under the leadership of Dr John Muchahary, along with Dr Ashwini Colaco and Dr Shekhar Salkar. The team was supported by anesthesiologist Dr Yogesh Gaude, ensuring careful planning and execution of the highly sensitive intervention.

During the procedure, doctors deployed a covered self-expandable metallic stent inside the patient’s trachea. The stent reopened the narrowed airway while simultaneously sealing the fistula, allowing the patient to breathe normally again. The patient reportedly experienced immediate relief following the successful intervention.

Medical experts explained that tracheal stenosis can severely restrict airflow and become extremely dangerous when combined with a tracheoesophageal fistula, as food and liquids may enter the airway. In such cases, minimally invasive airway stenting offers an effective and life-saving solution.

Speaking about the achievement, Dr John Muchahary, Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology, said timely intervention was crucial and highlighted how advanced procedures like these significantly improve patient outcomes.

Hospital Director Surendra Prasad stated that the milestone reflects Manipal Hospital Goa’s commitment to bringing advanced medical technology closer to patients in the state, reducing the need for them to travel outside Goa for specialised treatment.

The successful procedure marks a major advancement in interventional pulmonology in Goa and strengthens the state’s access to cutting-edge respiratory care.