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Updated: Nov 4, 2025

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Endoscopic Management of Benign Laryngo-Tracheal Stenosis: Balloon vs. Rigid Dilatation
Eran Glikson1,2, Adi Abbass2, Eldar Carmel1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Background:
Management of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is challenging and often requires recurrent procedures.
Objectives:
To compare the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation (BD) versus rigid dilatation (RD) in the treatment of LTS.
Methods:
A retrospective study of patients undergoing endoscopic intervention for LTS was performed.
Results:
The study included 69 balloon (BD) and 48 rigid dilations (RD). Most cases were grade 3 Cotton-Meyer stenosis. Mean time interval to recurrence after BD and RD were 27.9 and 19.6 weeks, respectively. Remission of over 8 weeks was achieved in 71% of BD compared to 31.2% of RD (P < 0.05). In the BD group, dilatation of subglottic stenosis showed higher rates of remission of over 8 weeks compared to upper and mid-tracheal stenosis (92% vs. 62% and 20%, respectively, P < 0.05). Complications were encountered in 4.2% of RD and 2.9% of BD.
Conclusions:
BD and RD are effective and safe procedures. Overall, BD achieved slightly better long-term results compared to RD.
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