Inhibition of subglottic stenosis with mitomycin-C in the canine model

The objective of this randomized, prospective study was to study the effica cy of topical mitomycin-C in the inhibition of subglottic stenosis in a can ine model. Subglottic stenosis was elicited with the carbon dioxide laser i n 10 mongrel dogs. Radial incision and serial dilation of the subglottic ai rway were then carried out. The animals were randomized to receive a topica l solution of 1% mitomycin-C to the dilated area for a 5-minute duration or no further treatment. Weekly direct microlaryngoscopy and photodocumentati on were performed during the 6-week study. Airway distress developed in 4 o f the 5 control dogs, requiring early sacrifice, while all treatment group animals survived the duration of the study (p less than or equal to .006). Morphometric analysis of the subglottic photographs confirmed a greater tha n 100% increase in the percentage of relative airway at sacrifice in the tr eatment group (p less than or equal to .049). A statistically significant ( p less than or equal to .015) decrease in collagen formation in the subglot tic scar of dogs treated with topical mitomycin-C was documented. Mitomycin -C favorably altered the clinical progression of subglottic stenosis, impro ved quantified airway patency, and reduced the amount of subglottic collage n formation in the canine model.