[The value of endoscopic CO2 laser surgery in subglottic stenoses]

There are two basic approaches in the management of subglottic stenosis, namely, the endoscopic and the external approach. The possibilities and limitations of the endoscopic approach using the CO2 laser are presented. Success can be anticipated only in carefully selected cases with relatively circumscribed stenosis, if the so-called submucous resection with micro-trapdoor flap technique is employed.