[Application of epiglottic in reconstruction of traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application and long-term results of epiglottic in reconstruction of the traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis.

METHODS

From January 1988 to February 2002, 42 patients with traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis were treated, including 33 laryngeal stenosis and 9 laryngotracheal stenosis. The following surgical treatment were performed: (1) lowered epiglottic and bi-pedicled sternohyoid myofascial flap and (2) lowered epiglottic and bi-pedicled sternohyoid myofascial flap and sternocleidomastoideus clavicle membrane flap.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (88.1%) were successfully extubated 10 to 75 days after operation. Feeding tube lasted from 9 to 24 days, all the patients rehabilitated deglutition after surgery. The time of using stent was 9 to 19 days in 25 cases. All patients were followed up 1 year to 3 years and 4 months. The function of larynx recovered completely in 37 extubated patients and partially in 5 cannulated patients.

CONCLUSION

Epiglottic has the advantages of easy gain, high anti-infection and survival rate, and stable structure. A combination of epiglottic and the bi-pedicled sternohyoid myofascial flap plus sternocleidomastoideus clavicle membrane flap can repair large laryngeal and tracheal defects.