Post-intubation Subglottic Stenosis Research Articles

The safety and effectiveness of the treatment of refractory post-intubation subglottic stenosis using short bronchial Dumon stent: a pilot study.

Post-intubation subglottic stenosis (PI-SGS) is a fatal disease which could result in partial or complete narrowing of the airway. Although airway stenting is commonly used as an alternative treatment for PI-SGS patients unsuitable for surgery, complications including stent migration and excessive granulation tissue formation are frequently encountered. Additionally, tracheotomy is necessary in patients undergoing T-tube placement. Therefore, it is necessary to further enhance the effectiveness of airway stenting in refractory PI-SGS. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of utilizing short bronchial Dumon (BD) stents in managing refractory PI-SGS. PI-SGS patients who were not suitable for surgery and in whom previous interventional treatments had proven ineffective were enrolled. Short BD stents were inserted via rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Complications and outcomes were assessed by follow-ups. Fourteen patients were included and successful stent insertion was achieved in all cases. The median diameter and length of stents was 12 (0.25) and 33.5 (5) mm, respectively. During the 6-month follow-up period, complications were reported in five patients. Granulation tissue formation was the most frequently observed complication (4 in 14 patients, 28.57%), followed by stent migration (2 in 14 patients, 14.29%). Out of the total participants, 11 patients (78.57%) demonstrated good tolerance to the stent, while 3 (21.43%) required stent removal. Among these three patients, two finally underwent subsequent T-tube insertion after the removal. Twelve patients (85.71%) avoided the tracheotomy and T-tube insertion. The utilization of short BD stents appears to be a safe and effective approach for managing refractory PI-SGS. The complications and tolerability are acceptable.

Swallowing outcomes after tracheal resection and anastomosis: full versus mini infrahyoid laryngeal drop

IntroductionTracheal resection anastomosis has been established as the definitive surgery for high grade postintubation subglottic stenosis. To achieve a relaxed tension-free anastomosis, various laryngeal release techniques were discussed in literature with potential effect on postoperative swallowing dysfunction. This study aims to compare the difference in swallowing outcomes following two methods of infrahyoid laryngeal release: with and without fracture of the superior thyroid horns.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out at our tertiary referral hospitals including cases with grade III and IV subglottic stenosis treated by partial crico-tracheal resection with thyro-tracheal anastomosis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the method used in laryngeal release; mini infrahyoid release (group A) or infrahyoid full release (group B) where full means with fracture of the superior thyroid horn bilaterally while mini means their preservation. Swallowing assessment preoperatively and postoperatively was done by comparing swallowing dysfunction symptoms, Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS) score and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) according to penetration aspiration scale (PAS).ResultsA total of 71 patients were included; 46 in Group A and 25 in Group B. Clinical swallowing evaluation one week postoperatively showed statistically significant difference between the two groups being affected in 80.04% and 100% of patients in group A and B, respectively. The mean postoperative GUSS were 18 ± 1.32 in group A patients in comparison to 8.84 ± 5.18 in group B (p-value < 0.001). With FEES assessment, group A had full improvement of their swallowing abilities one month after the surgery while patients in group B had significantly lower PAS scores. Unfavourable scores for both the GUSS test and PAS were associated with increasing patients’ age in group B.ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort study, cases with mini infrahyoid laryngeal release had significantly better swallowing outcomes and full resolution of dysphagia in comparison to full laryngeal release. Also, full laryngeal release is associated with delayed resolution of swallowing difficulty in older patients. This point should be considered during preoperative patient selection and counselling.

Management of Paediatric Airway in Post-intubation Subglottic Stenosis Associated with Japanese Encephalitis.

Subglottic stenosis is narrowing of the area in between the vocal cords and the cricoid cartilage. It can cause respiratory problems which can be mild to severe. Study the management of paediatric airway in post-intubation subglottic stenosis associated with Japanese encephalitis. Case Setting and Design: Retrospective study of 18 patients presenting with encephalitis out of which 6 cases were of post-intubation subglottic stenosis associated with Japanese encephalitis between the study period of one year (September 2017-September 2018) in the, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute Of Health And Medical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Fifteen patients were treated in the study period. Different approaches were used. Post-intubation subglottic stenosis depends on the duration of intubation and the quality of life post-tracheostomy depends on the type of tube used. Bronchoscopic assisted procedures during the tracheostomy or after an interval helps to decrease the morbidity. Management of paediatric airway in post-intubation subglottic stenosis associated with Japanese encephalitis needs proper strategy and dedicated and intensive post-operative care. Bivona® silicone tracheostomy tube is a better option.

A case of severe subglottic stenosis masking as bronchial asthma

Tracheal stenosis is an uncommon and dangerous complication after intubation and tracheostomy and its clinical presentation may be misinterpreted as bronchial asthma. A careful vigilant clinical history and examination is required for the diagnosis of such tracheal stenosis. Here, we describe a case of post intubation subglottic tracheal stenosis in a young male who presented with features mimicking bronchial asthma. IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(2): 005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.16.015 *Correspondence: Bhupendra Kumar Jain, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara, Jabalpur Medical University, Madhya Pradesh, India; ORCID : 0000-0002-6619- 8596;Email: drbhupendrakjain@gmail.com

Post-intubation subglottic stenosis: aetiology at the cellular and molecular level.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords. This narrowing typically consists of fibrotic scar tissue, which may be due to a variety of diseases. This review focuses on post-intubation (PI) SGS. SGS can result in partial or complete narrowing of the airway. This narrowing is caused by fibrosis and can cause serious breathing difficulties. It can occur in both adults and children. The pathogenesis of post-intubation SGS is not well understood; however, it is considered to be the product of an abnormal healing process. This review discusses how intubation can change the local micro-environment, leading to dysregulated tissue repair. We discuss how mucosal inflammation, local hypoxia and biomechanical stress associated with intubation can promote excess tissue deposition that occurs during the pathological process of SGS.

Analysis of tracheotomy indications in children treated in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology of Medical University of Warsaw between 2015-2020

Introduction. Tracheostomy is the opening enabling breathing without the larynx, throat and mouth, which aims to restore and sustain airway patency. Indications of this intervention have changed over the years. The selection of patients for this procedure, as well as the moment, when it has to be performed are still not clearly defined. Those require a multidisciplinary approach and a standardized protocol. More analyses are necessary to create widely available guidelines. Aim. Analysis of tracheotomy indications in children performed between 2015-2020 in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw. Material and methods. During the 5-year period (2015-beginning of 2020) 64 children with tracheostomy were treated in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology. Groups of tracheotomy indications were separated after a retrospective overview of the 64 cases from our clinic and after manual and electronic search through medical databases for indications for tracheotomy in previous years. Then patient’s data (age at the time of surgery, concomitant diseases and/or disabilities) was collated, which allowed to present the characteristics of children and compare the tracheotomy indications in previous years with the results of this research. Results. Tracheotomy was performed among 64 children. The median patients’ age was 0.5 year and the average age was 4.26 years. Our patients were affected by many various conditions. We divided them into 8 main groups: congenital malformation syndromes, trauma, vocal folds palsy, perinatal complications, infection, autoimmune diseases, oncological and post-intubation subglottic stenosis. Currently, congenital malformation syndromes turned out to be the most common indication for tracheotomy. Conclusions. 1. Tracheotomy indications in children have changed over the years. 2. There is increasing number of tracheotomies due to various congenital defects. 3. New groups of tracheotomy indications among children are autoimmune diseases and injuries; those groups have the highest average of age. 4. The result of effective pharmacological treatment of laryngeal hemangiomas is the lack of tracheotomy performed in this indication. 5. The number of tracheotomies performed due to post-intubation stenosis has decreased. 6. Vocal cords palsy as an indication for tracheotomy in children is most often a complication of cardiac surgery due to congenital heart defect; this group of patient’s is the youngest among all. 7. Viral infections are still the tracheotomy indication among children.

Post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children: Analysis of clinical features and risk factors.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a complication that develops after intubation and is characterized by respiratory distress. The aim was to evaluate patients with post-intubation SGS and to discover the factors contributing to its development. A total of 112 patients who had a history of intubation were included. The case group consisted of 50 patients with post-extubation persistent respiratory symptoms for which flexible bronchoscopy (FOB) was conducted and showed SGS. The control group consisted of 62 patient with no post-extubation persistent respiratory symptoms, for whom FOB was not done (n=54), and who had post-extubation persistent respiratory symptoms and underwent FOB, which did not show subglottic stenosis (n=8). No significant differences were detected related to age, gender, and gestational age. The median number of recurrent intubations was 2.5 and 3 in the case group and in control group, respectively (P = 0.14). The median duration of intubation was 20.5days in the case group, and 6days in the control group (P<0.001). The Myer-Cotton classification indicated a degree of obstruction of grade 1 (mild) in 30% (n = 15), grade 2 in 16% (n = 8), grade 3 in 48% (n = 24), and grade 4 in 6% (n = 3) of the case group. The duration of intubation was found to be a significant risk factor for SGS development. Age at intubation, gender, gestational age, indication of intubation, and the number of recurrent intubations were found to have no significant association. Patients with post-extubation persistent respiratory problems, especially those with prolonged intubations, should be evaluated for SGS.

Management of post-intubation subglottic stenosis with individualised homoeopathic therapy: A case report

Introduction: Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords. This narrowing can cause serious breathing difficulties. Subglottic stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Frequent or long-term intubation is the most common cause of acquired subglottic stenosis. Case Summary: In this case report, adjuvant homoeopathic treatment helped prevent tracheal stent implantation surgery, otherwise deemed necessary in such a state and improved the overall general state. This case report gives ground to further investigate the extent to which individualised Homoeopathy may be applied in postintubation subglottic stenosis.

Transglottic corticosteroid injection for treatment of soft post-intubation subglottic stenosis: a retrospective analysis of 26 children.

Surgical treatment is generally recommended for severe subglottic lesions following traumatic endotracheal intubation in children. An alternative approach is early transglottic corticosteroid administration to reduce scar formation and prevent the need for subsequent surgical intervention. This technique has been practiced successfully for several decades at the Children's Hospital of Cologne and the outcomes of 26 subsequent patients reviewed in this analysis. All patients who underwent transglottic corticosteroid injection for treatment of post-intubation stridor and dyspnoea between 2012 and 2018 were identified and their records and endoscopy images analysed. Severity of the endoscopic findings was assessed using the Myer-Cotton classification (MCC) and an Expected Need for Surgical Intervention (ENSI) score (1 = inevitable; 2 = very likely necessary; 3 = probably avoidable and 4 = most likely not necessary) was recorded. Treatment was considered successful if the children had a complete resolution of clinical symptoms. A total of 26 patients with a median (range) age of 1.9 (0.02-7.2) years and weight of 9.8 (1.8-25) kg were identified and included into the analysis. Endoscopic images were available for 22 children. All children underwent transglottic corticosteroid injection prior to any potential surgical treatment. A total of 22 patients (85%) improved following transglottic corticosteroid injection including 4 of 5 patients with a MCC = 3 and ENSI = 1 avoiding surgical intervention. None of the patients experienced a deterioration of clinical symptoms or endoscopic findings. Transglottic corticosteroid injections as first-line treatment in children with severe post-endotracheal intubation trauma can successfully resolve symptoms and prevent invasive surgery.

Effective treatment of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children with holmium laser therapy and cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy.

ImportancePost‐intubation subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children can be life threatening. Definitive treatment varies and lacks a universally accepted approach.ObjectiveWe performed a prospective study to assess the safety and feasibility of holmium laser combined with cryotherapy delivered via flexible bronchoscopy for the treatment of post‐intubation SGS in children.MethodsThis study involved all patients with post‐intubation SGS seen at the Interventional Pulmonology Department of Beijing Children's Hospital between July 2014 and December 2016. Holmium laser treatment and cryotherapy was then performed under flexible bronchoscopy, whose parents refused to accept the alternative standard treatment of tracheotomy and balloon dilation under direct laryngoscopy.ResultsSixteen patients with post‐intubation SGS were included in this study. Ages ranged from 2 months to 12.25 years old. According to the Cotton‐Myer grading system, three cases were Grade II, 12 cases were Grade III, and one case was Grade IV. According to the McCaffrey system, eight cases were Stage 1, two cases were Stage 2, and six cases were Stage 3. The average number of procedures was 4.88. Fifteen of the 16 patients achieved clinical cure. One patient achieved clinical improvement. The average treatment course duration was 55.31 days. No severe complications were seen. Post‐treatment clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings and quality of life showed marked improvement.InterpretationOur study supports the conclusion that holmium laser treatment combined with cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy appears to be a safe and feasible treatment for post‐intubation SGS in children.

SUBGLOTTIC STENOSIS: A CASE SERIES

SESSION TITLE: Allergy and Airway SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/10/2018 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM PURPOSE: Subglottic stenosis remains a rare and challenging disease with many potential etiologies. No clear risk factors have been identified, although reflux disease or female sex have been proposed. No definitive management algorithm exists, with treatment dependent on provider experience and patient preference. Endoscopic procedures are now widely used, as they can be performed outpatient, preserve vocal function, and offer relatively immediate symptom relief. Despite these interventions, however, recurrence is high. This case series describes the characteristics of subglottic stenosis patients and reviews their outcomes after undergoing interventional pulmonology (IP) procedures. METHODS: In this single center, retrospective case series, all consecutive patients presenting to our IP practice from February 2016 to December 2017 for subglottic stenosis were evaluated. Patients were included if subglottic stenosis was confirmed bronchoscopically and excluded for a malignancy history, prior or current tracheostomy, or tracheobronchial stenting. Patients were further divided into idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS), defined as those without a clear cause, post-intubation subglottic stenosis (PIT), defined as those with a known history of prolonged or traumatic intubation, and tracheal resection with reanastomosis (TRA), defined as those whom eventually required surgical intervention. Chart review was performed for demographic characteristics, interventional treatments, and outcomes of patients with subglottic stenosis. RESULTS: 15 patients with subglottic stenosis met inclusion criteria, with the majority being female (87%), never smokers (73%), and white (53%) or Hispanic (40%) with a median age of 49 (range 24-71). Asthma, reflux, and hypothyroidism were common comorbidities (40%, 33%, 27%, respectively). PIT was the most common etiology (80%). 11 patients underwent only IP procedures, while 4 patients eventually underwent surgical intervention. All patients had a history of at least one intubation. For patients undergoing surgery, symptom duration prior to evaluation for IP procedure was significantly shorter than those who did not (0.625 vs 31 months, p<0.003). Various IP procedures were utilized for airway recannulization, with 60% of patients requiring multiple IP procedures with a median time to second procedure of 58 weeks (range 2.7 to 155 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: In our case series, subglottic stenosis patients were predominantly female with PIT as the etiology. Patients undergoing surgery presented with symptoms significantly sooner. Regardless of intervention, recurrence rates were high. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It will be important to determine if additional prognostic information may be obtained to better risk-stratify which subgroup of patients may ultimately benefit from repeat IP procedures versus early surgical intervention. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Bryan Benn, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Drew Sheldon, source=Web Response

Accuracy of stridor-based diagnosis of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in pediatric patients

ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of stridor in comparison to endoscopic examination for diagnosis of pediatric post-intubation subglottic stenosis. MethodChildren who required endotracheal intubation for >24h were included in this prospective cohort study. Children were monitored daily and underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy after extubation. Those with moderate-to-severe abnormalities underwent another examination 7–10 days later. If lesions persisted or symptoms developed, laryngoscopy under general anesthesia was performed. Patients were assessed daily for stridor after extubation. ResultsA total of 187 children were included. The incidence of post-extubation stridor was 44.38%. Stridor had a sensitivity of 77.78% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 51.9–92.6) and specificity of 59.18% (95% CI: 51.3–66.6) in detecting subglottic stenosis. The positive predictive value was 16.87% (95% CI: 9.8–27.1), and the negative predictive value was 96.15% (95% CI: 89.9–98.8). Stridor persisting longer than 72h or starting more than 72h post-extubation had a sensitivity of 66.67% (95% CI: 41.2–85.6), specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 83.1–93.2), positive predictive value of 40.0% (95% CI: 23.2–59.3), and negative predictive value of 96.07% (95% CI: 91.3–98.4). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65–0.91). ConclusionsAbsence of stridor was appropriate to rule out post-intubation subglottic stenosis. The specificity of this criterion improved when stridor persisted longer than 72h or started more than 72h post-extubation. Thus, endoscopy under general anesthesia can be used to confirm subglottic stenosis only in patients who develop or persist with stridor for more than 72h following extubation.

Assessment of efficacy of laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft

Introduction. Subglottic stenosis may lead to respiratory failure, especially in newborns and small children. It is the most common indication for tracheostomy in order to maintain airway patency in this age group. Subglottic stenosis requires surgical treatment. Laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft is one of the many treatment methods. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess of efficacy of laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft. Material and methods. Clinical data of 8 children operated for subglottic stenosis has been analysed. The severity of stenosis was assessed during the endoscopic examination with the Myer?Cotton Grading System. The efficacy of treatment was understood as a possibility of decannulation. Results. The study group included 8 patients: 6 boys and 2 girls. All the children had been born prematurely between the 24th and 34th week of pregnancy and were intubated in the early neonatal period. In 5 cases, decannulation followed, and in 3 cases, the treatment proved to be not effective enough, as the children had additional health problems. Conclusions. Prematurely born children intubated in the early neonatal period are at risk of post-intubation subglottic stenosis. Laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft is an effective treatment method. Treatment outcomes are also dependent on the overall health status of the patient and coexisting tracheal lesions.

Emergency Ventilation of Infant Subglottic Stenosis Through Small-Gauge Lumen Using the Ventrain: A Case Report.

Postintubation subglottic stenosis is one of the most common causes of stridor in newborns and babies after prolonged mechanical ventilation. Management of this pathology is complex and requires highly trained personnel because it is associated with a high rate of airway-related mortality. This article presents the rescue of a difficult airway in a pediatric patient with subglottic stenosis with a new device available on the market, the Ventrain, offering certain advantages over those available until now.

Tratamiento de las estenosis laríngeas adquiridas en pediatría. Serie de casos

Subglottic stenosis is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in children. Even though it may have a congenital origin, most of them are acquired stenosis. This condition should be suspected in any child with a history of intubation, instrumentation or trauma of the airway that is having difficulty breathing. The diagnosis is suspected by clinical, history and cervical radiograph, and is confirmed by endoscopic examination. Among others factors the treatment depends on the stenosis degree. We describe our experience with 6 patients with post-intubation subglottic stenosis treated surgically with expansion technique.

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.

Incidence of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children: prospective study

To evaluate the incidence of subglottic stenosis in children undergoing endotracheal intubation. Children in the paediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital were considered eligible for inclusion if they received endotracheal intubation for more than 24 hours. After extubation, children underwent flexible fibre-optic nasolaryngoscopy. Based on this first evaluation, they were divided into two groups: 'acute normal', with mild laryngeal alterations or normal findings; and 'acute alterations', with moderate to severe laryngeal alterations. Further laryngoscopic follow up (7-10 days later) was undertaken for those children in the acute normal group who developed symptoms during follow up (after discharge from the intensive care unit), and for all children in the acute alterations group. Children were then classified into two final groups: 'normal final examination', with no chronic changes; and 'subglottic stenosis'. We included 123 children. The incidence of subglottic stenosis was 11.38 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 6.63-17.94 per cent). All the children who developed subglottic stenosis had had moderate to severe alterations immediately after extubation. This incidence of subglottic stenosis is quite high and needs further investigation to identify risk factors.

GlideScope videolaryngoscope-assisted retrieval of an intratracheal foreign body

Postintubation tracheal stenosis presents major challenges to the anesthesiologist, especially in situations where the airway is shared with the surgeon. The airway management of a patient with severe postintubation subglottic stenosis, who developed complete airway obstruction during attempted tracheal dilatation, is presented.

Thyroid alar cartilage laryngotracheal reconstruction for severe pediatric subglottic stenosis

Background/Purpose: Laryngotracheoplasty has become an accepted treatment alternative for subglottic stenosis. However, the best autogenous material for laryngotracheoplasty remains controversial. Autogenous superior thyroid alar cartilage (TAC) has been used successfully in single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction in children with subglottic stenosis. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 6 children (mean age, 16.6 months) undergoing TAC graft laryngotracheoplasty between September 1995, and June 1999. Two children had immediate tracheal intubation for congenital subglottic stenosis. Four others had previous tracheostomy: 3 for severe postintubation subglottic stenosis and 1 for congenital subglottic stenosis. After an anterior cricoid split, a piece of TAC was sutured between the cut ends of the cricoid, with the graft perichondrium facing intraluminally. Endotracheal intubation was maintained postoperatively. Results: Four children underwent successfully extubation 9 to 21 days (mean, 15.5 days) postoperatively. Two required tracheostomy, which was maintained because of severe laryngomalacia and laryngotracheobronchomalacia. One child was treated with CO2 laser because of symptomatic recurrence of the subglottic stenosis 3 weeks after the surgery; another required fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux 12 months after laryngotracheoplasty. There were no donor site complications in any of the 6 cases. Repeat laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy showed a patent subglottic airway. All of them are without symptoms after a mean follow-up of 26 months. Conclusions: (1) This preliminary experience indicates that the TAC graft technique is a viable option for laryngotracheal reconstruction; (2) the TAC graft has significant advantages, including a single operative incision and absence of donor-site morbidity. J Pediatr Surg 36:1258-1261. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.