EFFICACY OF BRONCHOSCOPIC ND-YAG-LASER FO R LARYNGOTRACHEAL STENOSIS DUE TO PROLONGED INTUBATION

From 1987 to 1993, 38 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis due to pr olonged intubation were treated with the Nd:YAG-laser. A total of 45 s tenoses were identified and classified according to endoscopic assessm ent. Patients who had an asymptomatic airway for at least 8 months and did not require further intervention were considered treatment succes ses. The best results were found in the diaphragmas and granulomas (86 % and 65%), in stenoses less than 1 cm in length (61%) and in cases wi th less than 70% obstruction of the tracheal lumen (61%).