New treatment of subglottic stenosis due to Wegener's granulomatosis

The presented new endoscopic surgical technique offers a safe and successful approach for treatment of subglottic stenosis due to Wegener's granulomatosis.

Subglottic stenosis is a potentially limiting and complex condition among patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. It causes various symptoms and often requires interventional therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new endoscopic submucosal technique.

Altogether 13 consecutive patients with subglottic stenosis due to Wegener's granulomatosis were treated with a new endoscopic technique. The procedure was carried out endoscopically, removing the stenotic part submucosally, sealing back the raised mucosal flap, and the bare areas were soaked with mitomycin-C. Follow-up telephone interviews were carried out and hospital records were reviewed.

Patients included 3 males and 10 females, with an average age of 37.5 years. A total of 37 procedures were performed, with an average of 2.8 procedures per patient. There was a statistically significant reduction in the all symptoms related to the stenoses (p < 0.05). Mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range 1.5-6.5 years). Overall success rate was 85%. Only one patient relapsed following adequate medical and surgical treatment. No perioperative mortality was recorded.