Outcomes of surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis-the parents perspective

Reconstructive laryngeal surgery has been very successful in the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. Traditionally authors have used survival and decannulation rates as markers of success.

To evaluate the outcome of paediatric laryngotracheal surgery from the parents perspective.

Retrospective audit of all children undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction or cricotracheal resection for laryngotracheal stenosis in a three year period at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow. An open-ended questionnaire was used to assess parental concerns regarding their child's airway, post-operative results and the current status of their voice, breathing and swallowing.

30 patients were eligible for the inclusion of which there were 17 responses (56%). The most common concerns pre-operatively were difficulty breathing, tracheostomy and survival. Post-operatively parents felt that breathing, voice and a reduction in the number of lower respiratory tract infections were the main improvements. We also identified the high level of importance that the parents assigned to their child's independence and ability to lead a normal life.

This study has given us a unique insight into the concerns of parents who have children with laryngotracheal stenosis. It has also allowed us to evaluate our post-operative results from a qualitative perspective through the eyes of the parents.