Panel discussion: the management of advanced laryngotracheal stenosis. Use of the hyoid graft for treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

The most common cause of laryngotracheal stenosis is trauma. The stenotic area may involve the larynx, subglottis, or trachea. A hyoid bone graft has been used in 22 cases for reconstruction of the stenotic area. The hyoid graft may be used with other concomitant laryngeal procedures. A vascularized sternohyoid--hyoid graft has been used in somes cases. Of the 22 cases all but 3 have been successful. The advantages of the hyoid graft are: 1. Firm graft to maintain the architecture of the lumen. 2. Accessibility in the same operating field. 3. Patient's own graft material decreases immune rejection possibility. 4. The vascularized pedicle graft decreases possibility of hyoid resorption.