Avoidance of Tracheotomy in Infants With Significant Subglottic Stenosis

Abstract

At the spring meeting of the American Bronchoesophagological Association in San Francisco, Calif, Dr Lucinda Halstead, Charleston, SC, presented a paper on avoidance of tracheotomy in infants with significant subglottic stenosis. Dr Halstead's discussion centered around new technological advances in the field, specifically, the pediatric subglottiscopes and the ultraspot micromanipulator addition to the laser. Improved visualization and surgical accuracy in small infants were stressed. In addition, a paradigm for managing an infant with subglottic stenosis using the laser was presented. Dr Halstead detailed her experience in managing eight patients, the majority of whom were premature infants who had acquired subglottic stenosis secondary to prolonged intubation. Seven patients avoided tracheotomy in this series, and they have been followed up for a minimum of 2 to 15 months. An average of 1.8 laser procedures was performed per infant. A review of the literature was also given, and previous use of the laser