Tracheal stenosis in infants and young children

Abstract

Eight cases of intra-thoracic tracheal stenosis presenting to the ENT department at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, over the past 10 years are reported. The varied aetiology and presentation of these cases is discussed and the frequency of associated cardio-pulmonary anomalies emphasized. Difficulties in diagnosis and investigation are outlined, in addition to an overview of current management. While the overall outlook for many of these children remains poor there is reason to believe that a balance of conservative management and surgical reconstruction in selected cases will result in improved survival figures.