Membranous posterior glottic stenosis successfully treated by extended cricoid split procedure: a case report

Abstract

Posterior glottic stenosis resulting in limitation of vocal cord abduction is a difficult clinical problem. Usually secondary to intubation, mature posterior glottic stenosis is a difficult clinical problem better prevented than treated. We present a case of a patient with early, membranous posterior glottic stenosis successfully treated with a cricoid split procedure, lysis of the stenosis and planned postoperative intubation. This treatment allowed healing of the interarytenoid area and resulted in good vocal cord abduction. A literature review and rationale for the procedure are presented.