Technique for improved safety in the endoscopic management of subglottic stenosis

To identify a safe approach to airway management during the endoscopic balloon dilation of subglottic stenosis BACKGROUND: Subglottic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the upper airway commonly managed by endoscopic technique performed on an unsecured airway.

Review of surgical treatment of subglottic stenosis cases by the senior author.

Following steroid injection and radial cuts performed either under jet anesthesia or mask ventilation with brief periods of apnea, a small endotracheal tube may be passed beyond the narrowing to permit adjacent balloon dilation with the airway secured.

We introduce an endoscopic subglottic balloon dilation technique done with a secured airway.