Laryngotracheoplasty for acquired subglottic stenosis in infants and children: experience with six cases

Six children aged 6-50 months with acquired subglottic stenosis persisting after medical and endoscopic treatment underwent 7 open resections of the stenotic tissue followed by internal stenting. Five were successfully decannulated after an average treatment time of 6.8 months; the sixth died after accidental extubation. All 5 have satisfactory vocal and respiratory function 11 to 36 months postoperatively (6-18 months postextubation). Transcartilaginous open resection of subglottic stenosis is a feasible treatment option which can be used, even in the infant, when expectant observation is not advisable.