Posterior glottic stenosis

Abstract

The posterior glottis consists of the posterior third of the vocal folds, the posterior commissure with its interarytenoid muscle, the cricoid lamina, the cricoarytenoid joints, the arytenoids, and the overlying mucosa. Stenosis of the posterior glottis most often arises as a result of the trauma of endotracheal intubation. Factors that affect the development of postintubation complications include traumatic intubation, prolonged intubation, repeated intubations, large endotracheal tube size, motion of the endotracheal tube, and presence of local infection. Occasionally, posterior glottic stenosis may result from other traumatic causes such as inhalation burns, caustic ingestion, and surgical misadventure.