Use of the fiberoptic laser for treatment of tracheobronchial lesions
in the adult is well established, However, there is a paucity of exper
ience with the fiberoptic laser in the pediatric airway, Tracheal obst
ruction caused by granulation tissue or stenosis, as is often seen in
children, may be effectively treated with this approach, This article
documents the successful use as well as the technologic advantage of t
he flexible fiberoptic laser systems, primarily the potassium titanyl
phosphate (KTP) laser, combined with standard pediatric rigid bronchos
copic equipment in 73 procedures involving 52 children (43 children yo
unger than five years, with an average age of 21 months). Visualizatio
n was excellent, assisted or spontaneous ventilation was well maintain
ed, and complications were few.