Stenosis of the larynx and trachea: diagnostics and treatment

Abstract

36 cases (26 males and 10 females aged 19-69, average age 40.3) of larynx and trachea stenosis (23/36 i.e. 64%) and occlusion (13/36 i.e. 36%) were observed between 1990-1999. The cause of larynx and trachea lesion was the prolonged intubation in 17 (47%) cases, tracheostomy--in 13 (36%) (in 12 cases performed outside our centre), external trauma in 5 cases (14%) and burns of the upper airway in 1 patient (3%). For the diagnosis endoscopic, radiologic and spirometric examinations were performed. Length of the constricted or occluded section was estimated at 5-65 mm. Patients were treated applying three methods: endoscopy, splitting of the larynx and/or trachea and "end to end" anastomosis. In most cases surgical proceeding was multistaged. The best result was obtain after "end to end" anastomosis (all patients were deccanulated).