Laryngotracheal reconstruction with composite nasal septal cartilage grafts

The composite nasal septal graft has been used successfully by us to reconstruct patients with high tracheal and laryngotracheal stenosis. We have treated ten patients and have been able to decannulate seven of these patients. When these ten cases are added to the six original cases presented in an earlier report (1981), certain conclusions can be drawn. The success or failure of these procedures, which is judged by the ability to decannulate the patient, appears to be related to the extent of the initial injury. We discuss the indications for the composite nasal septal graft and the use of additional treatment, including stents, steroid injections, dilatations, and flaps. In conclusion, the addition of these ten cases to the original six cases of composite nasal septal grafts now provides the opportunity to review indications and contraindications for the use of this graft in the management of advanced laryngotracheal stenosis.