Irradiated homograft cartilage in laryngotracheal reconstruction--a preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the suitability of irradiated homograft cartilage in pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR).

METHODS

Retrospective case series at a tertiary care children's hospital. Pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis who had LTRs performed using irradiated homograft costal cartilage. Data was collected on postoperative complications, findings at subsequent endoscopic examinations and final outcome.

RESULTS

Minor degrees of graft resorption were observed that did not affect eventual decannulation.

CONCLUSION

Irradiated homograft costal cartilage can serve as a successful alternative to the traditional autologous costal cartilage in lower grades of laryngotracheal stenosis.