The treatment of subglottic stenosis in children by prolonged dilatation.

Laryngeal stenosis can present with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, hoarseness, stridor or decreased exercise tolerance. Asphyxia and death may follow. One accepted method of treatment is to perform a tracheostomy, dilate the stricture and insert an obturator for 6 to 9 mo. Ten children with a subglottic stenosis were treated by this technique and 7 completed the treatment. Results in 5 of these children were good, 1 was improved and 1 restenosed. These results compare favorably with those reported by others. This form of treatment is indicated for unyielding but dilatable strictures which have failed to respond to other approaches. The choice, therefore, lies between resection and plastic repair or prolonged dilatation. Results are generally quite good for strictures near the vocal cords, but are variable for those well below the cords. The manufacture and insertion of a prosthesis used in the above cases are described.