Utility of two-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction in the management of subglottic stenosis in adults.

OBJECTIVES: We examined a retrospective case series to evaluate the utility of two-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in the management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in adults. Operative correction of SGS with LTR has been practiced successfully in the pediatric population. However, in the adult population, cricotracheal resection has been a more common alternative.

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records at the Wayne State University Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. We included all adult patients with SGS who underwent LTR and completed the recommended procedures between December 24, 2003, and October 1,2010.

RESULTS: Twelve of the 14 patients identified were decannulated (86%). Of the 12 decannulated patients, 1 required a salvage operation, eventually achieving decannulation after cricotracheal resection. Therefore, although our overall decannulation rate was 86%, the rate with LTR alone was 79%. The majority of our patients (71%) had high-grade (grade III or IV) stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that LTR is a viable option for adult patients with SGS. In children, LTR is a relatively safe and often-performed procedure. With use of modern techniques, it has the potential to be applicable to adults, as well. It has the added benefit of avoiding the pitfalls and complications associated with cricotracheal resection.