Postlaryngectomy supraglottic stenosis revealed by three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction: A case...

Supraglottic stenosis is a rare cause of airway obstruction. It can be induced by radiation, trauma, autoimmune diseases, or caustic exposure, and is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Detailed airway information is necessary to re-establish the normal functioning of the airway.

A 78-year-old woman with severe dyspnea and hypercarbia was scheduled for surgery to resolve airway obstruction, previously known as supraglottic stenosis.

To determine the exact internal shape of the stenotic lesion, we reconstructed three dimensional computed tomography (CT) images depicted a tubular supraglottic stenosis.

The patient underwent tracheotomy under monitored anesthesia care and local anesthesia, followed by general anesthesia. For long-term management of the patient, the otorhinolaryngologist excised the supraglottic stricture via micro-laryngeal surgery using a CO2 laser and applied mitomycin to prevent further obstruction.

The patient recovered uneventfully after anesthesia, and symptom due to supraglottic stenosis was improved.

During airway management of patients with postlaryngectomy supraglottic stenosis, three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography images facilitate airway configuration in addition to endoscopy and other radiological findings.