Treatment of idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis with laryngotracheal reconstruction

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of laryngotracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage grafting for the treatment of idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis. From January 2001 to December 2005, 129 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis were treated at our hospital. Of these patients, five (4 per cent) female patients whose ages ranged from 14 to 34 years were identified as having idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis. These patients were treated with a modified laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting. A Montgomery T-tube remained in place for 12 to 22 months. Three patients presented with grade three and two with grade two stenosis. Three patients were decannulated after one procedure, with normal respiratory function and good exercise tolerance; one patient was decannulated after two procedures. One patient failed decannulation. The mean time to decannulation was 13 months. Laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting is a safe and effective method, and provides an alternative treatment for idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.