ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF LARYNGOTRACHEAL STENOSIS

The diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis should be suspected in child ren with recurrent, prolonged, or atypical croup; a history of endotra cheal intubation; or a history of strider, feeding difficulties, and f ailure to thrive. Only half of children with congenital laryngotrachea l stenosis require tracheotomy, and many of these children are eventua lly decannulated without the need for surgical therapy. Ln contrast, t racheotomy-dependent patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis s hould be referred for surgical evaluation to provide them with the ear liest opportunity to develop normal oral communication.