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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
Flexible laser bronchoscopy for subglottic stenosis in the awake patient
Douglas D Leventhal1, Elizabeth Krebs, Marc R Rosen
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Objective:
To describe our technique and experience of treating adult subglottic stenosis using the Nd:YAG laser through a flexible bronchoscope via a fiberoptic delivery system.
Design:
Retrospective chart review.
Patients:
This study included 16 patients with subglottic stenosis who presented to the senior surgeon (M.R.R.) for laser bronchoscopy from January 2000 to December 2006.
Main Outcome Measures:
Progression toward decannulation and preoperative and postoperative symptoms were assessed.
Results:
Four of 7 patients who required tracheostomy tubes at the start of laser bronchoscopy underwent decannulation. None of the remaining 9 patients required tracheostomy tubes during treatment. All patients had improvement in their symptoms. Complications of the procedure were minimal.
Conclusions:
Bronchoscopy with the Nd:YAG laser is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for subglottic stenosis. Laryngotracheal trauma caused by an endotracheal tube and/or rigid bronchoscope is avoided. This procedure may be useful to achieve and maintain a patent airway.
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Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...