Management of subglottic stenosis in infancy and childhood. Review of a consecutive series of cases managed by surgical reconstruction

Abstract

The management of mature subglottic stenosis secondary to endotracheal intubation in infancy and childhood remains a controversial issue. If treated similarly to congenital subglottic stenosis by tracheotomy and a "wait-and-see" period then there is a considerably higher mortality and morbidity for the acquired disease compared with the congenital. Eighteen children with severe acquired subglottic stenosis managed by surgical reconstruction are presented; 17 have been successfully extubated. The longest follow-up is 5 1/2 years. No evidence of interference with laryngeal growth is evident.