CO2 laser repair of permanent tracheostomy stricture

We present our experience in treating postlaryngectomy patients with respiratory disturbance caused by stricture of the permanent stoma by CO2 laser surgery. Laser surgery is a simple procedure that can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia without bleeding and with minimal damage to the adjacent strictures resulting in a minimal postoperative edema and contracture. In our opinion the CO2 laser is a useful surgical tool for enlargement of the airway lumen and for improvement of respiratory disturbance in postlaryngectomy patients with stomal stricture, and this procedure should be considered for treatment of selected patients.