Endoscopic CO2 laser arytenoidectomy for postintubation glottic stenosis

Extended endotracheal intubation for assistive respiration can lead to cricoarytenoid joint fixation and subsequent bilateral midline vocal cord fixation--thus, complete glottic stenosis. Endoscopic CO2 laser arytenoidectomy was performed on 10 patients for bilateral midline vocal cord fixation caused by prolonged translaryngeal endotracheal intubation because of central nervous system respiratory insufficiency resulting from various causes. Eight of these patients had concomitant cricopharyngeal myotomy for associated severe upper pharyngeal dysphagia. All of these patients had successful return of airway, voice, and swallowing functions. The advantages of the CO2 laser for endoscopic arytenoidectomy are its facility, hemostasis, precision, and minimal scarring.