Abstract
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a disease characterized by slow, progressive scarring and constriction of the subglottic airway. It almost always occurs in females between the 3rd and 5th decade of life. Symptoms are frequently misinterpreted as asthma and patients are referred for endoscopic evaluation only when asthma medications fail to alleviate their symptoms. Treatment options can be divided into endoscopic and open surgical techniques. Microlaryngoscopic scar reduction by laser followed by balloon dilation usually delivers good short-term results. However, the majority of patients will experience restenosis within a short period of time. Open surgical correction techniques are based on a complete removal of the affected airway segment. This must be combined with various extended resection techniques in patients with advanced stenosis. Depending on the extent and severity of the stenosis the following surgical techniques are required: standard cricotracheal resection (Grillo's technique), cricoplasty with dorsal and lateral mucosaplasty, or a combination of resection and enlargement techniques using rib cartilage grafts. In experienced centres, success rates of over 95 % are reported with good functional outcome of voice and deglutition.
Published Version
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