Inhibition of subglottic stenosis with mitomycin-C in the canine model

The objective of this randomized, prospective study was to study the efficacy of topical mitomycin-C in the inhibition of subglottic stenosis in a canine model. Subglottic stenosis was elicited with the carbon dioxide laser in 10 mongrel dogs. Radial incision and serial dilation of the subglottic airway were then carried out. The animals were randomized to receive a topical solution of 1% mitomycin-C to the dilated area for a 5-minute duration or no further treatment. Weekly direct microlaryngoscopy and photodocumentation were performed during the 6-week study. Airway distress developed in 4 of the 5 control dogs, requiring early sacrifice, while all treatment group animals survived the duration of the study (p < or = .006). Morphometric analysis of the subglottic photographs confirmed a greater than 100% increase in the percentage of relative airway at sacrifice in the treatment group (p < or = .049). A statistically significant (p < or = .015) decrease in collagen formation in the subglottic scar of dogs treated with topical mitomycin-C was documented. Mitomycin-C favorably altered the clinical progression of subglottic stenosis, improved quantified airway patency, and reduced the amount of subglottic collagen formation in the canine model.