Anterior Cricoid Split Research Articles

A Novel Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Rib Grafting: A Feasibility Study in An Animal Model.

The objective of our study was to document the feasibility of a novel endoscopic anterior cricoid split and rib grafting technique in a goat airway model. Feasibility pilot animal study. Animal surgical laboratory at a tertiary hospital and research center. Three Ardhi goats were utilized. After harvesting and shaping the rib graft, 2 sutures were inserted transversely into the graft. An endoscopic midline anterior cricoid split was performed and extended down through the first tracheal ring, followed by a balloon dilation of the site. Next, the 2 lower and upper graft suture ends were sequentially passed as endo-extra laryngeal sutures and tied on the anterior neck skin. Laryngeal stent was utilized in 1 goat following graft placement. The surgery was successful in all included animals and bronchoscopy performed 7 days after surgery, revealed that the anterior graft was in good position. One goat developed surgical site infection leading to partial graft resorption. This study demonstrated the feasibility of this novel procedure which is potentially useful for patients who are candidates for a single-stage reconstruction. Future studies should investigate the safety and validity of this technique in a model with subglottic stenosis. NA.

A Pilot Study of Decellularized Cartilage for Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in a Neonatal Pig Model.

Severe subglottic stenosis develops as a response to intubation in 1% of the >200,000 neonatal intensive care unit infants per year and may require laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) with autologous hyaline cartilage. Although effective, LTR is limited by comorbidities, severity of stenosis, and graft integration. In children, there is a significant incidence of restenosis requiring revision surgery. Tissue engineering has been proposed to develop alterative grafting options to improve outcomes and eliminate donor-site morbidity. Our objective is to engineer a decellularized, channel-laden xenogeneic cartilage graft, that we deployed in a proof-of-concept, neonatal porcine LTR model. Meniscal porcine cartilage was freeze-thawed and washed with pepsin/elastase to decellularize and create microchannels. A 6 × 10-mm decellularized cartilage graft was then implanted in 4 infant pigs in an anterior cricoid split. Airway patency and host response were monitored endoscopically until sacrifice at 12 weeks, when the construct phenotype, cricoid expansion, mechanics, and histomorphometry were evaluated. The selective digestion of meniscal components yielded decellularized cartilage with cell-size channels. After LTR with decellularized meniscus, neonatal pigs were monitored via periodic endoscopy observing re-epithelization, integration, and neocartilage formation. At 12 weeks, the graft appeared integrated and exhibited airway expansion of 4 mm in micro-CT and endoscopy. Micro-CT revealed a larger lumen compared with age-matched controls. Finally, histology showed significant neocartilage formation. Our neonatal porcine LTR model with a decellularized cartilage graft is a novel approach to tissue engineered pediatric LTR. This pilot study sets the stage for "off-the-shelf" graft procurement and future optimization of MEND for LTR. NA Laryngoscope, 134:807-814, 2024.

Cricoid Augmentation by Costal Cartilage Graft in the Treatment of Complex Crico-Tracheal Stenosis in Adults.

We present herein our results of cricoid augmentation with costal cartilage in complex crico-tracheal stenosis in adults. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained data of patients who underwent surgery for crico-tracheal stenosis at a tertiary care centre from March 2012 to September 2019. Finding of subglottic stenosis with cricoid narrowing was taken as an indication for cricoid split and costal cartilage graft augmentation. Their demographic and clinical data, pre-operative work up, intra-operative details and post-operative course was recorded. Ten patients underwent cricoid split with costal cartilage graft augmentation and crico-tracheal anastomosis between March 2012 and November 2019. The mean age was 29years (range, 22-58years). There were 6 males (60%) and 4 females (40%). All 10 patients underwent circumferential resection of stenosed tracheal segment, cricoid split, interposition of costal cartilage graft and an anastomosis between augmented cricoid and trachea. Eight patients (80%) anterior cricoid split and 2 (20%) had anterior as well as posterior split. Average resected length of trachea was 2.39 cms. Cricoid split with costal cartilage augmentation is a feasible option to expand cricoid lumen in crico-tracheal stenosis. None except one of our patients required any further intervention in mean follow up of 42months and all are free from primary symptoms. The functional results of the surgery were also excellent in 90% of the patients.

Endoscopic anterior cricoid split with dilation

Endoscopic anterior cricoid split may be performed as an adjunct to balloon dilation in select patients with subglottic stenosis. It offers the possibility for the treatment of more significant, mature subglottic stenosis, as well as congenital subglottic stenosis with cartilaginous anomaly endoscopically whereas previously these patients could only successfully be treated with an open procedure. Here the indications, preoperative workup, operative technique and post-operative considerations are outlined. In certain situations, an endoscopic anterior-posterior cricoid split or open approach may be better suited. Endoscopic anterior cricoid split may be performed as an adjunct to balloon dilation in select patients with subglottic stenosis. It offers the possibility for the treatment of more significant, mature subglottic stenosis, as well as congenital subglottic stenosis with cartilaginous anomaly endoscopically whereas previously these patients could only successfully be treated with an open procedure. Here the indications, preoperative workup, operative technique and post-operative considerations are outlined. In certain situations, an endoscopic anterior-posterior cricoid split or open approach may be better suited.

Fetoscopic Balloon Dilation and Cricotracheal Resection for Laryngeal Atresia in CHAOS.

View Supplementary Video 1 Laryngoscope, 131:660–662, 2021

An anterior cricoid split and long-term silastic T-tube stenting for children with severe subglottic stenosis.

The management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) remains challenging. Although laryngotracheal reconstruction with a costal cartilage graft (LTR) has been widely performed, restenosis with cicatricial tissue may require long-term stenting, especially in patients with severe SGS. An anterior cricoid split (ACS) with long-term stenting has been shown to be useful for patients with mild SGS. Thus, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients, including severe SGS, who underwent ACS compared to those with LTR. A retrospective chart review was conducted in 25 patients with severe SGS (Grades III and IV) who underwent initial laryngoplasty (ACS or LTR) in our hospital from January 2009 to April 2018. 17 patients (8 with Grade III and 9 with Grade IV) underwent ACS, and 8 (6 with Grade III and 2 with Grade IV) underwent LTR. The median duration of stenting was 11months (range: 0.8-50) in the ACS group and 12months (range: 0.4-29) in the LTR group. Thirteen of 17 patients (76.5%) in the ACS group were decannulated, whereas 4 of 8 patients (50%) in the LTR group were decannulated (p = 0.2). ACS might be useful even for children with severe SGS. The optimal duration of stenting should be investigated further.

Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric subglottic stenosis: evaluation of our treatment protocol

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim was to describe our experience in management of pediatric subglottic stenosis and formulate a management scheme based on our experience.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study and follow-up was conducted in children diagnosed with subglottic stenosis (SGS) (both congenital and acquired) from January 2016 to January 2019 (36 months). We have proposed further subcategorization of each grade of SGS into mild and severe depending on absence or presence of the described “hard signs” respectively. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 28 patients with SGS were identified. 8 had congenital while 20 had acquired SGS. There were 16 cases of grade II, 7 cases of grade III and 5 cases of grade I stenosis. None had grade 4 stenosis. Most common surgical intervention was microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy which had both diagnostic and therapeutic role (in conjunction with other intervention). Other interventions were balloon dilatation, combined laser and balloon dilatation, anterior cricoid split, laryngotracheal reconstruction and Partial cricotracheal resection. As of July 2019, overall recovery rate was 89.2% and decannulation rate was 81.2%. One patient succumbed to death due to because unrelated to SGS. Two patients are still under follow-up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Number of procedures increases with increasing severity of stenosis. Further subcategorization of SGS as mild or severe guides in selecting endoscopic or open surgical management scheme. The type of procedure for each patient needs to be tailored according to requirement.</p>

Endoscopic cricoid split in a tertiary referral paediatric centre.

Anterior cricoid split is performed for grade 2 and 3 subglottic stenosis, which can be a cause of extubation failure. It can be performed endoscopically or as an open procedure. This paper describes a case series of endoscopic cricoid split procedures performed using a bespoke sickle knife. Nine patients (six pre-term infants) underwent endoscopic cricoid split in a tertiary referral paediatric unit between August 2012 and March 2015. Six patients (67 per cent; four pre-term and two term infants) were on oxygen pre-operatively. Mean age at operation was 30 weeks (range, 11-104 weeks). Mean number of days' intubation was 5.6 days (range, 4-9 days). All five patients intubated pre-operatively were extubated. Seven patients required repeat dilatations. One patient required tracheostomy. The extubation rates for endoscopic cricoid split are comparable to the open procedure. It is a safe and efficient method for managing subglottic stenosis, whether acquired or congenital. The main advantage is the shorter operative time, in addition to the avoidance of an external scar and drain.

The outcomes of endoscopic management in young children with subglottic stenosis

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a common cause of obstructed airway in children, and the treatment of pediatric SGS, especially congenital SGS, remains a challenge for the otolaryngologist. ObjectiveTo analyze the outcomes of endoscopic management in young children with SGS. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) or EBD combined with endoscopic anterior cricoid split (EACS) for young SGS children, from December 2008 to December 2015. The ages of patients ranged from 2 days to 12 years, median age was 5 months. The grade of them ranged from II to IV. ResultsFor acute acquired SGS, 19 cases received EBD alone and the other 3 cases received EBD and EACS, the success rate was about 95.5%; For chronic acquired SGS, EBD and EACS was performed in 6 patients with a success rate of 66.7%; For congenital SGS, EBD and EACS was performed in 28 patients with a success rate of 85.7%. Overall, the success rate of endoscopic management in 56 young children was about 87.5%. Besides, No procedure-related complications were observed in any patients. ConclusionsEndoscopic surgical technique offers a safe and effective approach for treatment of young children with SGS, especially in congenital SGS.

Acquired subglottic stenosis: aetiological profile and treatment results.

To analyse the aetiological profile and surgical results of patients with acquired chronic subglottic stenosis, and formulate a surgical scheme based on an audit of various surgical procedures. Thirty patients were treated by 65 procedures (31 endoscopic and 34 external) between 2004 and 2009. Isolated subglottic stenosis was noted as unusual in the majority (27 cases), demonstrating contiguous tracheal or glottic involvement. The major aetiologies were intubation injury (n=8) and external injury (n=21) (i.e. blunt trauma, strangulation or penetrating injury). Vocal fold immobility and cartilage framework involvement were frequent with external injury and infrequent with intubation injury. Luminal restoration was achieved by endoscopic procedures in 2 cases, external procedures in 19 cases, and external plus adjuvant endoscopic procedures in 8 cases. The preferred surgical options were: endoscopic procedures, restricted to short, recent, grade I or II mucosal stenosis cases; and external procedures for all other stenosis situations, including isolated subglottic (anterior cricoid split plus cartilage graft), subglottic and glottic or high subglottic (anterior plus posterior cricoid split with cartilage graft), and subglottic and tracheal (cricotracheal resection with anastomosis). External injury stenosis has a worse profile than intubation injury stenosis. Anatomical categorisation of subglottic stenosis guides surgical procedure selection. Endoscopic procedures have limited indications as primary procedures but are useful adjunctive procedures.

Post-intubation Subglottic Stenosis in Children. Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Moderate and Severe Stenosis

Introduction and objectivesSubglottic stenosis is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction. Almost 90% of them result from endotracheal intubation. Therapy depends on the degree of stenosis, among other factors. Therapeutic approaches range from watchful waiting, in mild stenosis, to complex surgery for severe cases. We report our experience on the surgical management of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children, emphasising the need for recognition and prevention of predisposing factors of post-intubation stenosis. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 71 patients with moderate to severe post-intubation subglottic stenosis, operated in the Respiratory Endoscopy Service in a period of eight years. The clinical variables analysed were age at surgery, degree of stenosis, surgical technique, complications and outcome. ResultsIn 84.5% of patients, only 1 surgical approach was required to achieve decannulation. Three surgical techniques were implemented as therapy: laryngotracheal reconstruction, partial cricotracheal resection and anterior cricoid split. Decannulation was achieved in 70 cases. In 71.8%, ventilation, swallowing and voice qualities were good; 23.9% presented dysphonia; and 2.8% presented a mild respiratory distress. One patient died. ConclusionIn patients with subglottic stenosis, selection of the most accurate treatment is the key to success, reducing the number of surgeries and preventing complications.

Estenosis subglótica postintubación en niños. Diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de las estenosis moderadas y severas

Introduction and objectivesSubglottic stenosis is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction. Almost 90% of them result from endotracheal intubation. Therapy depends on the degree of stenosis, among other factors. Therapeutic approaches range from watchful waiting, in mild stenosis, to complex surgery for severe cases. We report our experience on the surgical management of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children, emphasising the need for recognition and prevention of predisposing factors of post-intubation stenosis. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 71 patients with moderate to severe post-intubation subglottic stenosis, operated in the Respiratory Endoscopy Service in a period of eight years. The clinical variables analysed were age at surgery, degree of stenosis, surgical technique, complications and outcome. ResultsIn 84.5% of patients, only 1 surgical approach was required to achieve decannulation. Three surgical techniques were implemented as therapy: laryngotracheal reconstruction, partial cricotracheal resection and anterior cricoid split. Decannulation was achieved in 70 cases. In 71.8%, ventilation, swallowing and voice qualities were good; 23.9% presented dysphonia; and 2.8% presented a mild respiratory distress. One patient died. ConclusionIn patients with subglottic stenosis, selection of the most accurate treatment is the key to success, reducing the number of surgeries and preventing complications.

Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Split with Balloon Dilation for Failed Extubation

Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Split with Balloon Dilation for Failed Extubation

Strategy for surgical treatment of congenital subglottic stenosis in children

Background/purposeCongenital subglottic stenosis is a rare anomaly caused by thickened cricoid cartilage. We report our surgical techniques, comprising anterior cricoid split (ACS), laryngotracheoplasty (LTP), KTP laser ablation, and application of a tracheal opening retainer (TOR) into the tracheostomy site.MethodsNine patients have been treated since 1988. Four patients (median age 85 days; range 5 days to 6 months) underwent ACS. Another four patients (median age, 17 months; range, 5–57 months) underwent LTP using costal cartilage grafts, although two had undergone tracheostomy before LTP. One patient underwent LTP, ablation of the projecting part of the cricoid cartilage with KTP laser (LTP + Laser) and, preservation of the tracheal opening by placement of the TOR.ResultsAll ACS and LTP patients were successfully extubated at a median of 32 days (range 23–91 days) and 23 days (range 6–31 days) postoperatively, respectively. The LTP + Laser patient was extubated 35 days after surgery and the TOR was removed asymptomatically 20 days after extubation of the stent tube.ConclusionsAnterior cricoid split is useful for patients ≤6 months old and LTP is useful for patients >6 months old and/or with tracheostomy. KTP laser ablation is effective to remove thickened parts of cricoid cartilage protecting the vocal cords. The tracheal opening preserved by the TOR works as an additional channel to safeguard respiration during the extubation process.

Outcomes in Management of Pediatric Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Our Experience

ABSTRACT Background Pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis is a difficult entity encountered in clinical practice which manifests with a myriad of etiologies and presentations. Management of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis is a surgical challenge which requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and planning. Aim of study This is a retrospective study of the efficacy of different surgical techniques involved in restoring the airway patency in pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis performed at our institution over 4 years. Materials and methods Twenty-four pediatric patients underwent treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis over a 4-year period (June 2006-May 2010). Various surgical modalities, such as anterior cricoid split, costal cartilage interposition, stenting, laser procedures, etc. were used. Hood's stent, Montgomery T-tube, silastic swiss roll, indwelling nitinol tracheal stent were used to stent the airway after resection of the stenotic segment. Results Nine patients achieved successful decannulation with single-stage procedure and 14 patients underwent multiple procedures. Of 24 patients, decannulation was possible in 18 patients (75%), one patient had no indication for tracheostomy and five children (20%) have a persisting tracheostomy including two who were lost to follow-up. Conclusion It is vital to outline a rational approach to the management of laryngotracheal stenosis in children based on the site and severity of the stenotic segment. No single approach is ideal and often several procedures may be required before decannulation can be achieved. Limitations of study: Patients were followed-up for 1 year. A long-term follow-up is preferable. How to cite this article Shekhar A, Natarajan K, Sampath R, Kameswaran M, Murali S. Outcomes in Management of Pediatric Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Our Experience. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2012;2(1):14-19.

Endoscopic anterior cricoid split with balloon dilation in infants with failed extubation

Subglottic injury (SGI) is a known complication of prolonged intubation in neonates and infants and can lead to failed extubation. SGI is a spectrum that includes mucosal edema, ulceration, granulation perichondritis, and mature scar formation. Although medical management aimed at treating mucosal edema and extraesophageal reflux is successful in treating a majority of patients, some require surgical intervention to successfully achieve extubation. The surgical options for these patients include tracheostomy, open anterior cricoid split (ACS), and laryngotracheal reconstruction with cartilage grafting. Open ACS is performed through an external incision requiring placement of a drain for a few days. Extubation success rates in the 70% to 80% range have been widely reported. In this article we describe an endoscopic technique for ACS, in which after an endoscopic airway assessment confirms isolated SGI, the cricoid cartilage is divided transluminally with cold steel. Balloon dilation (BD) is then performed with an appropriately sized angiography balloon. We describe preliminary results in which two of three patients were successfully extubated after endoscopic ACS with BD. We believe that this novel technique is a promising alternative to open ACS with similar indications. In addition to the avoidance of a skin incision, endoscopic ACS with BD may enable extubation with comparably shorter lengths of postprocedure intubation than open ACS. Larger series will be required to further establish outcomes of this procedure, including success and complication rates.

Laryngotracheoplasty to Avoid Tracheostomy in Neonatal and Infant Subglottic Stenosis

To outline the authors' experiences with performing laryngotracheoplasty as an alternative to tracheostomy in neonates and infants with symptomatic subglottic stenosis (SGS). Case series with chart review. A tertiary referral pediatric hospital. Patients younger than 12 months undergoing single-stage laryngotracheoplasty for SGS at the authors' institution over a 3-year period. Ten patients (8 boys and 2 girls) underwent single-stage laryngotracheoplasty during the study period. There were 9 cases of acquired SGS and 1 case of congenital SGS. Eight patients had grade III SGS, and 2 patients had grade II SGS. In 9 of 10 patients, the procedure performed was an anterior cricoid split (ACS) and posterior cricoid split (PCS), with the placement of an anterior thyroid ala cartilage graft. One patient underwent ACS and PCS with the placement of a posterior rib cartilage graft, in combination with a right vocal cord lateralization. The mean period of intubation after surgery was 6.8 days (range, 5-9 days). Nine of 10 patients had a complete resolution of their airway symptoms following airway surgery, with a mean duration of follow-up of 305 days (range, 30-780 days). One patient required the placement of a tracheostomy tube 69 days postoperatively due to a failure to wean from ventilation in the setting of multiple comorbidities. Laryngotracheoplasty is a safe and effective alternative to long-term tracheostomy in infants and neonates with symptomatic SGS.

Endoscopic anterior cricoid split and balloon dilation in pediatric subglottic stenosis

Objectives To analyze the outcome of a new endoscopic approach for the treatment of pediatric subglottic stenosis. Study design Case series. Setting Tertiary care center. Material and methods Eighteen pediatric cases of grade II to IV subglottic stenosis (8 congenital and 10 acquired) consecutively treated at our institutions by Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Split (EACS) and balloon dilation between 2006 and 2010. Treatment protocol encompassed systematic postoperative laryngeal stenting (7 days of intubation or 1 month of Montgomery T-tube in previously tracheotomized patients) and endoscopic controls with possible additional balloon dilation every 15 days for at least 2 months. Results Patients’ ages ranged from 1 to 101 months. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 4 to 45 months (median value ± SD: 15.3 ± 11.9). The mean duration of the endoscopic procedure was 35.2 ± 13.2 min. The number of days spent in PICU during the perioperative period varied between 2 and 15. Four patients (22.2%) needed one and 14 patients (77.7%) required several (from 4 to 7) additional balloon dilations during the postoperative endoscopic controls. No incident was observed during or immediately after EACS. Treatment was efficient in 83% of cases ( n = 15), with no residual respiratory symptoms and grade 0 to 1 SGS at the end of follow-up. Conclusion EACS is a safe and efficient technique to treat pediatric subglottic stenosis, regardless of their grade and length, provided to associate it with postoperative laryngeal stenting and regular endoscopic follow-up with possible additional balloon dilations. In our teams, it has become the first line treatment for most grades II to IV SGS. Its indications can be extended to congenital stenosis with cartilaginous involvement and to long-lasting acquired stenosis with firm fibrosis.

Long-term T-tube stenting as definitive treatment of severe acquired subglottic stenosis in children

Purpose We analyzed our results of long-term T-tube stenting for severe acquired subglottic stenosis secondary to prolonged endotracheal intubation in a neonatal period. Materials and methods Twenty children treated with T-tube stenting since 1999 were retrospectively analyzed. T-tube stenting consisted of anterior cricoid split and placing silicon T-tube as a stent for expanded subglottic lumen. Results Fourteen of 20 patients were treated as an initial operation and 6 patients as an additional operation after other failed procedures. Decannulation was achieved in 8 (57.1%) of 14 children in the initial operation group and in 4 (66.7%) of 6 patients in the additional operation group. The average duration of T-tube stenting was 16.1 months in the initial group and 65.8 months in the additional group. Four of 20 patients continued to require T-tube stenting. In the other 4 patients, T-tubes were switched to tracheostomy tubes. The voice quality improved gradually after decannulation. Conclusion T-tube stenting for severe acquired subglottic stenosis is recommended as a best available treatment in postoperative quality of life. T-tube stenting should be performed as the initial treatment because the time to decannulation was shorter than as an additional operation.

Anterior cricoid split

The anterior cricoid split is an operation in the pediatric otolaryngologist's armamentarium for dealing with failed extubation in the neonate or very young infant. Successful extubation requires careful patient selection taking into account comorbidities and gestational age. This article describes the indications and technique for anterior cricoid split and explores limited indications and potential keys for success.