Management of subglottic stenosis in infancy and childhood

During the 12-year period between June 1987 and June 1999, 141 children und erwent curative treatment for subglottic laryngeal stenosis at La Timone Ch ildren's Hospital in Marseille, France. Ninety-six children (68%) were unde r the age of 5 years; 106 (75%) presented with acquired stenosis and 93 had narrowing involving over 70% of the subglottic lumen. Endoscopic laser sur gery was performed in 25 cases and open surgery in 116. Open surgical techn iques included laryngotracheoplasty with autologous cartilage interposition in 83 cases, laryngotracheal split in 22, and cricotracheal resection in 1 1. After decannulation. 132 children (94%) were able to breathe normally th rough the upper airway. Perspectives for development of new techniques and improvement of conventional methods are discussed.