Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric subglottic stenosis: experience in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Subglottic stenosis is among the most common causes of airway obstruction in children, 90% of which resulting from endotracheal intubation. The diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical, radiologic evaluation, flexible laryngoscopy and rigid airway endoscopy under general anesthesia. It must be suspected in children with respiratory distress after extubation. The therapeutic approach depends on the severity of the subglottic stenosis and the patient's symptoms. We describe our experience with the subglottic stenosis etiologies, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients with this condition.