Severe Laryngotracheal Stenosis Research Articles

Complicated Laryngotracheal Stenosis Occurring Early after COVID-19 Intubation

Background: Airway stenosis is a known complication of prolonged intubation in hospitalized patients. With the high rate of intubations in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a complication of COVID-19 that drastically reduces quality of life for patients who may remain tracheostomy-dependent. Methods: Patient medical history, laryngoscopy, and CT imaging were obtained from medical records. Results: We report four cases of complicated LTS following intubation after COVID-19 pneumonia and explore the current literature in a narrative review. Four patients developed LTS following intubation from COVID-19 pneumonia. Three patients remain tracheostomy-dependent, and the fourth required a heroic operative schedule to avoid tracheostomy. Conclusion: Intubation for COVID-19 pneumonia can result in severe LTS, which may persist despite endoscopic intervention.

The surgical treatment of acquired subglottic stenosis in children with double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to report our experience with double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior or antero-posterior cartilage grafting in the management of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis in children. Patients were treated by the same surgeon at the UMC National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health of Astana (Kazakhstan), and Sfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty (Kazakhstan). MethodsFrom November 2011 to September 2019, 9 children underwent surgery for grade III and IV laryngotracheal stenosis according to the European Laryngological Society classification (mean age of 6 years, range of 2–12 years). ResultsSix patients underwent double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior and posterior cartilage graft, and 3 patients underwent double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with single anterior cartilage graft. In all patients, a T-tube was used to stabilize the airway (mean time of 5.8 months, range of 5–9 months). One patient required additional dilation with bougies to obtain a viable laryngotracheal diameter. No postoperative complications were observed. One patient experienced recurrence of the stenosis 5 months after double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with double anterior and posterior cartilage grafts and is waiting for revision surgery. After a mean follow-up of 14 months (range of 4–36 months), 8 patients are tracheostomy-free, and all patients are feeding tube-free. ConclusionsDouble-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with a single or double cartilage grafting represents a safe and effective option in the management of complete or severe laryngotracheal stenosis.

Laryngotracheal Stenosis Following Intubation for COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Report of Two Cases

Benign laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition that is commonly caused by iatrogenic events as a result of endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. Numerous cases are being published for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who end up with severe LTS after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy. Here, we presented two cases of LTS due to prolonged intubation after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The characteristic of these two cases is that both of them needed second time intubation and were readmitted because of severe dyspnoea and all the workup for post-COVID-19 complications were investigated except the LTS which was later diagnosed after one month of suffering of these patients.

Duration of stenting with Montgomery T-tubes in severe laryngotracheal stenosis: does it matter?

Laryngotracheal stenosis management remains largely discretionary in surgical practice. Duration of stenting remains variable following open reconstruction procedures in absence of clearly established differences. The current study evaluates successful decannulation after short-term periods compared with longer periods. A comparative study over 18 months evaluated differences in successful decannulation between short- and long-term stent groups. Patients with grade II, III or IV laryngotracheal stenosis were placed on Montgomery T-tube for a short-term period (n = 15), and decannulation rates were compared with age-, sex- and diagnosis-matched patients (n = 15) from historical cases with long-term stent placement. Thirty patients were included. There was no difference between the two groups at baseline. Nine patients (30 per cent) were successfully decannulated, and there was no difference in rates of decannulation between the two groups (p = 0.8). Granulations at the proximal end of tube (38.7 per cent), superior migration of tube (16.1 per cent) and dysphonia (12.9 per cent) were common complications. Decannulation was not more successful after placing Montgomery T-tubes for longer periods of time when compared with removal within the first three months. Early removal after proper case selection and planning may be considered for a successful outcome in laryngotracheal stenosis.

Effect of partial cricotracheal resection and extended cricotracheal resection for severe laryngotracheal stenosis

Objective: To assess the outcomes of partial cricotracheal resection (CTR) and extended cricotracheal resection (ECTR) for severe laryngotracheal stenosis. Methods: From November 2009 to September 2017, 18 patients underwent CTR and ECTR at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University for severe laryngotracheal stenosis were reviewed retrospectively. There were 12-male and 6-female patients, with the age ranged from 4 to 56 years (median 25 years). The causes were postintubation in 11 cases, cervical trauma in 4, idiopathic in 3. The stenosis located in subglottic and tracheal (n=12), glottic and subglottic and tracheal (n=3), subglottic (n=2), and glottic and subglottic (n=1). Two patients had concurrent unilateral vocal cord palsy.One patient had undergone previous endoscopic balloon dilation and 8 patients had previous laryngotracheal reconstruction. The stenosis was graded according to modified Myer-Cotton classification as follows: Ⅲb (n=1), Ⅲc(n=1), Ⅳa (n=2), Ⅳb (n=12), Ⅳc (n=2). The surgical outcomes and complications were recorded. Results: Among 18 patients,11 of the 12 patients undergoing CTR were decannulated. Five of the 6 patients undergoing ECTR were decannulated. Resected airway length ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 cm (median 2.8 cm). Surgical complications included infection of incision wound in 2 cases, anastomotic granulation in 2, cervical subcutaneous emphysema in 1, aspiration in 1, and unilateral arytenoid prolapse in 1. No recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or tracheoesophageal fistula occurred. The median follow up was 11 months. Conclusions: CTR is efficient for severe subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis while ECTR is efficient for subglottic stenosis extended to the glottis. Both procedures also provide a salvage therapy for patients with previous failed treatments.

Adaptation and Validation to the Mexican Spanish of the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) in Patients from 3 to 17 Years of Age with Operated Laryngotracheal Stenosis vs Not Operated and Healthy Controls

Background: Voice quality is a measure of quality of life. We need an instrument with the consideration of culture and uses of the Latin-American Spanish. The aim was to carry out validation of the pVHI into Mexican Spanish and find differences in non-operated severe laryngotracheal stenosis patients (NOLTS) and operated laryngotracheal stenosis (OLTS) vs. healthy patients. The first validation of this instrument was incomplete. Methods: Cohort study from a Mexican reference hospital between 2015 to 2017. Forty NOLTS patients, 40 OLTS and 80 healthy controls diagnosed by rigid/flexible laringoscopy. All translation phases were performed. Final version was applied to parent proxy. Statistical analysis was Cronbach's Alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), construct validity (validation) and Kruskal-Wallis test (comparisons). Findings 160 patients of 3 to 17 years (median 7 years). Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, 0.92, and 0.90 and ICC was 0.91 and 0.90 (p=0.001) (functional-physical and emotional domains respectively). Inter-item Pearson's coefficients were 0.64 to 0.93 (p=0.01 bilateral). The construct validation found a one-dimensional scale and identifies some items shared for physical and functional domains. NOLTS patients obtained the worst score with a mean of 32.26 comparing with OLTS and healthy controls (p=0.0001), with moderate to severe voice handicap in 16 patients (10%). The largest number of quiet listener patients was in the NOLTS preschool group. We found significant differences both in the talkativeness and in overall voice severity, among all groups (p= 0.0001). Interpretation: The pVHI translated and validated into Mexican Spanish is valid and reliable. It could be divided in two subscales: functional and emotional (confirmatory factor analysis). All pVHI parameters are significantly affected in patients with NOLTS with a voice handicap index in ranges of moderate to severe and significant differences in all measurements between groups. The laryngotracheal plasty surgery recovers the handicap approximately 20 points. Funding: None Declaration of interest: We declared no conflict of interest with any person, foundation of company from any of the authors. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of our hospital and written informed consent was obtained from the participants parents.

Partial cricotracheal resection: an effective treatment for severe laryngotracheal stenosis

Partial cricotracheal resection: an effective treatment for severe laryngotracheal stenosis

Successful ventilation through a R\xfcsch intubation guide catheter in severe laryngotracheal stenosis

BackgroundProviding adequate ventilation may remain complex in patients with severe proximal laryngotracheal stenosis, especially when the airway is shared with the surgeon during tracheal resection surgery. We describe an effective alternative to standard endotracheal intubation using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter.MethodsIn two patients undergoing tracheal repair surgery, we failed to insert a 5.0 inner diameter endotracheal tube (6.9 mm outer diameter) or a 6.0 mm outer diameter endoscope through the laryngotracheal stenosis. However, using indirect laryngoscopy, a 6.0 outer diameter Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter was passed successfully through the vocal cords and then through the stenosis. Controlled ventilation was achieved by means of the Rüsch guide, provided with its two large Murphy’s eyes. When the trachea was opened, the Rüsch guide was removed just enough for the surgeons to place a Montandon tracheal tube, at that point taking over ventilation. A 7.0 inner diameter endotracheal cuffed tube had been inserted onto the Rüsch guide and left pending upstream from the vocal cords. Once the posterior tracheal wall was sutured, this endotracheal cuffed tube was slid along the Rüsch guide through the vocal cords with the cuff placed beyond the tracheal sutures.ResultsControlled ventilation through the Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter showed satisfying and stable ventilatory parameters in both patients. Inspiratory pressures of 25–30 mmHg were enough to reach adequate tidal volumes around 450 ml. End tidal CO2 was kept between 35 and 40 mmHg (PaCO2 showed similar values). Standard endotracheal intubation at the end of the tracheal resection was easy and safe thanks to the Rüsch guide still in place between the vocal cords.ConclusionsWe suggest an effective and reliable method using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter for airway management in patients suffering from laryngotracheal stenosis in the setting of tracheal repair surgery.

Partial cricotracheal resection for paediatric subglottic stenosis: update of the Lausanne experience with 129 cases.

Partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) is widely accepted for treating severe paediatric laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). However, it remains limited to a few experienced centres. Here we report an update of the Lausanne experience in paediatric PCTR performed or supervised by a senior surgeon (Philippe Monnier). An ongoing database of 129 paediatric patients who underwent PCTR for benign LTS between March 1978 and July 2012 at our hospital was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics and information on preoperative status, stenosis and surgery were collected. Primary outcomes were measured as overall and operation-specific decannulation rates (ODR and OSDR, respectively), and secondary outcomes as morbidity, mortality and postoperative functional results. A total of 129 paediatric patients [79 males and 50 females; mean age, 4.1 years (1 month-16 years, median age of 2 years old)] underwent PCTR during the study period. ODR and OSDR were 90 and 81%, respectively. The decannulation rates were significantly superior for single-stage PCTR compared with double-stage PCTR in both ODR and OSDR. Eight patients died postoperatively for reasons unrelated to surgery. Partial anastomotic dehiscence was seen in 13 patients, 9 of whom were successfully treated by revision surgery. Respiratory, voice and swallowing functions were near normal or only minimally impaired in 86, 65 and 81% of patients, respectively. PCTR is effective and feasible with good ODR and OSDR for highgrade / severe LTS. Glottic involvement and the presence of comorbidities were negative predictive factors of decannulation. Early detection and reintervention of postoperative incipient dehiscence contribute to avoiding the progress to late restenosis; however, voice improvement remains a challenge.

Late complications of nickel–titanium alloy stent in tracheal stenosis

To investigate and treat the late complications of using nickel-titanium alloy stents in laryngotracheal, bronchial, and esophageal stenosis patients who developed severe laryngotracheal stenosis (SLS). Retrospective clinical study. Thirteen patients with SLS or tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to insertion of a nickel-titanium alloy stent for treatment of laryngotracheal, bronchial, or esophageal stenosis treated between May 2004 and March 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 13 total patients, nine had one stent placed, and four had two stents placed. The late complications observed were glottic and/or subglottic extension of cervical tracheal stenosis (n = 6), new stricture of the thoracic trachea (n = 4), severe left bronchial stricture with massive left pulmonary collapse (n = 1), and cervical tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 2). Six patients with glottic and/or subglottic to cervical tracheal stenosis underwent successful laryngotracheal reconstruction. Two patients with subglottic and upper thoracic tracheal stenosis were successfully treated by staged operation for the stenosis. Two patients with subglottic and distal thoracic tracheal stenosis are still undergoing treatment. One patient with severe left bronchial stricture and massive left pulmonary collapse has been treated but has not achieved full recovery. One patient with cervical tracheoesophageal fistula underwent successful repair but died later from metastatic disease. One patient with tracheoesophageal fistula died from massive hemorrhage and asphyxiation induced by the stent, which had not been removed. The nickel-titanium alloy stents should be used with extreme caution in patients with laryngotracheal, bronchial, or esophageal stenosis treatment that can be corrected by surgical therapy.

Laryngotracheal Reconstruction with a Prefabricated Flap

Objective: Laryngotracheal stenosis can severely alter anatomy and leave patients with airway compromise. The majority of patients can be managed with conservative or open surgical procedures. Occasionally patients cannot be reconstructed with local tissues. We describe our experience with a prefabricated composite free flap to reconstruct patients with complicated laryngotracheal stenosis. Method: Case series of 2 patients with severe laryngotracheal stenosis treated with a prefabricated composite graft consisting of auricular cartilage and a radial forearm free flap. Both patients had compromised local tissue due to extensive neck surgery, previous radiation therapy, or chronic inflammation. Results: The prefabricated cartilage free flap allowed for a customized reconstruction. Prefabrication, implantation of the cartilage into the arm 6 weeks prior to flap harvest, maintained the integrity of the vascular cartilage graft. Furthermore, this reconstructive method provided satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. Both patients were decannulated. As the etiology, extent of the defect, and overall tissue quality of patients with laryngotracheal stenosis are variable, this composite flap may provide surgeons with additional means of laryngotracheal reconstruction in patients who have failed previous attempts or have compromised tissue biology. Conclusion: A prefabricated graft using auricular cartilage in a radial forearm free flap is a viable reconstructive option for laryngotracheal reconstruction in patients with large defects who are not candidates for conventional approaches.

Topical endotracheal mitomycin C as a complementary treatment for endoscopic treatment of recurrent laryngotracheal stenosis

ObjectiveTo describe the preparation of topical endotracheal mitomycin C and the clinical outcomes of four patients with recurrent and severe laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) treated with adjuvant topical mitomycin C. MethodLiterature review to determine the concentration and method of preparation of topical mitomycin C for endotracheal use. Review of clinical histories. ResultsWe established a concentration of 0.4mg/ml topical mitomycin C for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. In the treated cases, we applied a 0.4mg/ml solution to the wound site following laser surgery and dilatation with bronchoscope. Three patients remain asymptomatic from a respiratory perspective, and treatment failed in one case. ConclusionsLTS treatment is complex due to the continuous development of granulation tissue and fibrosis following injury to the airways. Topical mitomycin C seems to be the ideal adjuvant agent thanks to its powerful antifibrotic effects.

Mitomicina C tópica endotraqueal como terapia complementaria al tratamiento endoscópico de la estenosis laringotraqueal fibrótico-cicatricial recurrente

Objective To describe the preparation of topical endotracheal mitomycin C and the clinical outcomes of four patients with recurrent and severe laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) treated with adjuvant topical mitomycin C. Method Literature review to determine the concentration and method of preparation of topical mitomycin C for endotracheal use. Review of clinical histories. Results We established a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml topical mitomycin C for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. In the treated cases, we applied a 0.4 mg/ml solution to the wound site following laser surgery and dilatation with bronchoscope. Three patients remain asymptomatic from a respiratory perspective, and treatment failed in one case. Conclusions LTS treatment is complex due to the continuous development of granulation tissue and fibrosis following injury to the airways. Topical mitomycin C seems to be the ideal adjuvant agent thanks to its powerful antifibrotic effects.

Airway exchange catheters use in the airway management of neonates and infants undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal stenosis

Congenital and acquired upper airway obstruction in infants commonly manifests as an acute, potentially life-threatening condition or a slow and gradual deterioration and can be a challenge to the pediatric anesthesiologist. This case series reports the nonconventional use of pediatric airway exchange catheters emergent and short-term airway management and lung ventilation in neonates and infants with severe laryngotracheal stenosis. After the approval of local Institutional Review Board, 11 consecutive patients presenting with severe laryngotracheal stenosis exceeding 70% were prospectively studied. Median (range) age and weight were 32 days (0-96) and 2.7 kg (2.1-3.4), respectively. Induction of anesthesia consisted of sevoflurane 5% in oxygen followed by sevoflurane 3% in an air/oxygen mixture (Fio2 = 0.5). Spontaneous ventilation was maintained in all patients. The trachea was intubated using an Airway Exchange Catheter with an inner diameter of 1.6 mm (Cook Airway Exchange Catheters, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN). An Airway Exchange Catheter was inserted through the stenosis and manually assisted ventilation was confirmed using capnography. Median (range) ventilation duration was 28 minutes (12-61 mins). In one neonate, the Airway Exchange Catheter failed to ensure proper ventilation and an emergency tracheostomy was performed. Respiratory distress was likely due to a significant increase in airway resistance at the stenosis level or distal accumulation of secretions. Airway exchange catheters represent a useful additional tool for short-term advanced airway management for both oxygenation and ventilation in neonates and infants presenting with severe laryngotracheal stenosis.

Anteroposterior cricoid split interposition costal cartilage grafts for laryngotracheal stenosis in children

Objective To investigate the effects of anteroposterior cricoid spliting interposition costal grafting for moderate and severe laryngotracheal stenosis in children. Methods From 1995 to 2005, 87 children (aged 1.2 to 14 years) with moderate and severe glottic and subglottic stenosis were retrospectively studied. They were operated with cricoid spliting laryngotracheal reconstruction in our hospital. All of 87 patients were tracheostomy-dependent before surgery. Results Eighty-five patients (95%) were successfully decannnulated and got an effective phonation. The follow-up time was more than 5 years. The effect of operation was satisfactory and the growth and development of children was normal. Conclusion Anteroposterior cricoid split interposition costal cartilage graft is a safe and effective treatment method for moderate and severe glottic and subglottic stenosis in children.

Cambios histopatológicos en la unión quirúrgica en animales de experimentación sometidos a resección cricoidea parcial y anastomosis tirotraqueal

ObjectiveTo study in an animal model the local healing process after partial cricoid resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis Material and methodsPartial cricoid resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis was performed in 17 New Zealand rabbits. Experimental animals were gradually sacrificed and the laryngotracheal complex was removed to proceed to a histopathological study ResultsAn acute inflammatory response followed by a chronic inflammatory process was found in the surgical site. Normal tissue architecture was established after an eight week period. Anteroposterior and transverse diameters at all levels of the upper respiratory tract were not significantly altered at any time along the healing process. Experimental animals remained free from symptoms during the follow-up period ConclusionsThese results support that partial cricoid resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis is a safe procedure for the treatment of severe laryngotracheal stenosis

Arytenoid prolapse as a consequence of cricotracheal resection in children.

Cricotracheal resection (CTR) is a technique introduced comparatively recently for treating severe laryngotracheal stenosis in children. The recognized complications of CTR include recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, anastomotic dehiscence, and restenosis. We describe a further complication of CTR, namely, prolapse of the arytenoid cartilage. The presentation may be late, with symptoms of shortness of breath on exertion and nocturnal stertor with a poor sleep pattern, or the prolapse may be an asymptomatic incidental finding. The diagnosis is performed with flexible nasopharyngoscopy with the patient unanesthetized, or with rigid endoscopy with the patient lightly anesthetized and spontaneously ventilating. The affected arytenoid cartilage is noted to prolapse anteriorly and medially with inspiration, partly obstructing the airway. If treatment is required, endoscopic laser partial arytenoidectomy is effective. In a series of 44 children who underwent CTR, 20 were noted to develop arytenoid prolapse after operation. Twelve were asymptomatic, and 8 required laser arytenoidectomy, 2 of whom now require continuous positive airway pressure for moderate supraglottic collapse.

Composite hyoid-sternohyoid interposition graft in the surgical treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

This article reports six patients with severe laryngotracheal stenosis. The causes of stenosis were tracheotomy (two cases); prolonged endotracheal intubation (one case); laryngeal trauma (two cases); and surgery with postoperative chemo- and radiotherapy, addressing a thyroid gland follicular adenocarcinoma (one case). Two patients were already tracheotomized. The main postoperative complication was necrosis of the graft in a female patient who had previously undergone treatment for thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma. All patients were decannulated 6 months postoperatively. Five patients were then regularly followed up, but we lost contact with one patient. Comparison between pre- and postoperative pulmonary function testing revealed an increased maximum inspiratory flow (Vi max50) in five cases between 0.57 l/s and 2.18 l/s. A helical scan with 3-dimensional reconstruction of the cervical area in four patients confirmed the presence and preservation of the hyoid bone graft. Four patients remained satisfied with their postoperative voice quality, one patient was dissatisfied, and one patient was not followed up. This technique is effective in adults with severe laryngotracheal stenosis, restricted to the first tracheal rings, providing one takes into consideration the main contraindications of the procedure: past history of radiotherapy and thyroid surgery.

Cricotracheal resection as a primary procedure for laryngotracheal stenosis in children

Objective: Cricotracheal resection (CTR) is being increasingly used in the treatment of children with severe laryngotracheal stenosis. In this institution the majority of children are treated with CTR as a salvage procedure having undergone previous unsuccessful laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR). Selected children have undergone CTR as a primary procedure (without previous LTR). The objective of this study is to examine the outcome for children undergoing cricotracheal resection as a primary procedure for severe laryngotracheal stenosis. Method: analysis from prospectively collected database. Results: 17 patients underwent CTR without previous LTR or anterior cricoid split between October 1994 and September 1998. All the patients had grade 3 or 4 stenosis. After a minimum of 1 year follow up 15 children are decannulated. Five children required further surgery to achieve this. Two children still have tracheostomies. Both had extended procedures. One included bilateral arytenoid abduction for bilateral vocal cord paralysis in a patient with quadraparesis following transverse myelitis. The other child, who suffered from multiple congenital anomalies, underwent a concurrent posterior cricoid cartilage graft. Nine patients had good voice post-operatively, five had acceptable voice and three had weak or no voice. Conclusion: the early experience for CTR in children as a primary procedure achieved an overall decannulation rate of 88% after 1 year follow up in children with severe laryngotracheal stenosis. Five children required further surgery to achieve this. The voice outcome was variable. CTR is an alternative primary procedure to LTR for severe laryngotracheal stenosis in children. The relative indications for these procedures are discussed.

Partial cricotracheal resection with primary anastomosis for pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis

Severe laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) in the pediatric age group has been traditionally treated by laryngotracheoplasty procedures. This approach may be complex and multistaged. High success rates have been reported in adults with severe LTS who underwent partial resection of the cricoid and primary thyrotracheal anastomosis. However, this procedure has not been widely reported in infants and children. Since November 1993, 38 patients with grade III or IV subglottic stenosis were treated with partial cricotracheal resection (CTR) and primary anastomosis. In some patients a posterior cricoid split or partial arytenoidectomy was performed as well. The preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, and postoperative care are described. There were no significant operative complications or deaths. Thirty-three patients were decannulated after a single open surgical procedure. Our results as well as those of previous series suggest that CTR with primary anastomosis is a relatively safe and effective procedure in infants and children with severe LTS.