Laryngotracheal reconstruction in subglottic stenosis: an ancient problem still present.

BACKGROUND

Subglottic stenosis is an ancient but persistent problem as a cause of airway obstruction. The etiology and the results of surgical treatment with thyrotracheal anastomosis were reviewed.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with subglottic stenosis were studied. All were subjected to laryngotracheal reconstruction by thyrotracheal anastomosis with partial resection of the cricoid.

RESULTS

Of all 56 cases of subglottic stenosis, 48 (86%) had history of previous tracheal intubation, and only 8 (14%) had different non-neoplastic obstructive processes such as scleroma, direct injury, hamartoma, and amyloidosis. Immediate results were good in all cases. After 1 year follow-up, results of thyrotracheal anastomosis were successful in 44 (91%). In 4 other cases a restenosis was observed. Eight patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Subglottic stenosis is still frequent after tracheal intubation, but other causes must be considered. Laryngotracheal reconstruction with thyrotracheal anastomosis with partial cricoid resection was feasible with good results in 91% of the cases with follow-up, but this procedure must be performed by a skilled surgical team.