Treatment Of Laryngotracheal Stenosis Research Articles

Surgical Training on Ex Vivo Ovine Model in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Nowadays, head and neck surgical approaches need an increased level of anatomical knowledge and practical skills; therefore, the related learning curve is both flat and long. On such procedures, surgeons must decrease operating time as much as possible to reduce the time of general anesthesia and related stress factors for patients. Consequently, little time can be dedicated for training skills of students and young residents in the operating theater. Fresh human cadavers offer the most obvious surrogate for living patients, but they have several limitations, such as cost, availability, and local regulations. Recently, the feasibility of using ex vivo animal models, in particular ovine ones, have been considered as high-fidelity alternatives to cadaveric specimens. Methods: This comprehensive review explores all of head and neck otolaryngology applications with this sample. We analyzed studies about ear surgery, orbital procedures, parotid gland and facial nerve reanimation, open laryngeal and tracheal surgery, microlaryngoscopy procedures, laryngotracheal stenosis treatment, and diagnostic/operative pediatric endoscopy. For each different procedure, we underline the main applications, similarities, and limitations to human procedures so as to improve the knowledge of this model as a useful tool for surgical training. Results: An ovine model is easily available and relatively inexpensive, it has no limitations associated with religious or animal ethical issues, and it is reliable for head and neck surgery due to similar consistencies tissues and neurovascular structures with respect to humans. However, some other issues should be considered, such as differences about some anatomical features, the risk of zoonotic diseases, and the absence of bleeding during training. Conclusion: This comprehensive review highlights the potentials of an ex vivo ovine model and aims to stimulate the scientific and academic community to further develop it for other applications in surgical education.

Surgical treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis in patient after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation: a case report

Surgical treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis in patient after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation: a case report

Therapy of chronic stenosis of laryngotracheal stenosis with the use of mesenchymal stem cells: two-year observation results

Laryngotracheal stenosis is a serious pathological process that leads to the narrowing of the airways because of damage of the mucous membrane and the formation of pathophysiological mechanisms of regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to be able to suppress the inflammatory response and to stimulate tissue regeneration; that is why, they are a promising biomedical cell product for treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and long-term clinical efficacy of cell therapy of laryngotracheal stenosis using autologous MSCs of the olfactory lining (OL). The clinicalstudy included patients with a diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis (J38.6 and J95.5 according to ICD-10) without compromising the integrity of the cartilage frame with or without a tracheostomy/laryngostomy, including patients after surgical interventions to restore the lumen of the larynx and trachea. Clinical trials of laryngotracheal stenosis using autologous olfactory mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells were carried out. Cell therapy was safe and well tolerated, and prevented the restenosis and formation of scar granulation tissue during 2 years of observation in all patients included in the clinical study. The restoration of the larynx and trachea lumen, the improved respiratory function and the increased exercise tolerance were observed in 6 patients who had no cartilage disorder. The data obtained indicate the high clinical efficacy of the method of cell therapy of laryngotracheal stenosis using autologous olfactory mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Increased Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in Patients With Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a fibrotic condition of the upper airway. Recent evidence suggests dysregulated host immunity plays a role in LTS development and progression. The programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, targeted by paradigm-shifting immunotherapies for cancer treatment, has also recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic pulmonary disease. However, a role for the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in the proximal airway fibrosis seen in LTS patients has not been explored. Controlled ex vivo study. Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CD4, and CD8 were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining of cricotracheal resection specimens from postintubation iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS), idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients, and normal controls derived from rapid autopsy (n = 8 per group). Fibroblasts derived from iLTS scar were also treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and analyzed for PD-L1 expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (n = 6). iLTS specimens exhibited increased expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD4 (all P < .0167) compared to controls, whereas iSGS specimens exhibited increased expression of PD-1 and CD4 (P < .0167) compared to controls. PD-1, PD-L1, and CD4 showed periepithelial patterns of expression in both disease cohorts. TGFβ1 treatment of iLTS fibroblasts increased expression of PD-L1 (the cognate ligand for PD-1). Expression of both PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 are significantly greater in patients with iLTS compared to controls, and PD-1 expression is also elevated in patients with iSGS. Given published evidence implicating the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in pulmonary fibrosis, this suggests a possible role for checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis for the treatment of LTS. N/A Laryngoscope, 131:967-974, 2021.

Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in the Pediatric Burn Patient: Surgical Techniques and Decision Making.

The management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) in the pediatric burn patient is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The mainstay of treatment for LTS is laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR), however, limited reports of burn-specific LTR techniques exist. Here, we provide insight into the initial airway evaluation, surgical decision making, anesthetic challenges, and incision modifications based on our experience in treating patients with this pathology. The initial airway evaluation can be complicated by microstomia, trismus, and neck contractures-the authors recommend treatment of these complications prior to initial airway evaluation to optimize safety. The surgical decision making regarding pursuing single-stage LTR, double-stage LTR, and 1.5-stage LTR can be challenging-the authors recommend 1.5-stage LTR when possible due to the extra safety of rescue tracheostomy and the decreased risk of granuloma, which is especially important in pro-inflammatory burn physiology. Anesthetic challenges include obtaining intravenous access, securing the airway, and intravenous induction-the authors recommend peripherally inserted central catheter when appropriate, utilizing information from the initial airway evaluation to secure the airway, and avoidance of succinylcholine upon induction. Neck and chest incisions are often within the TBSA covered by the burn injury-the authors recommend modifying typical incisions to cover unaffected skin whenever possible in order to limit infection and prevent wound healing complications. Pediatric LTR in the burn patient is challenging, but can be safe when the surgeon is thoughtful in their decision making.

Design of a Biocompatible Drug-Eluting Tracheal Stent in Mice with Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a pathologic narrowing of the subglottis and trachea leading to extrathoracic obstruction and significant shortness of breath. LTS results from mucosal injury from a foreign body in the trachea, leading to tissue damage and a local inflammatory response that goes awry, leading to the deposition of pathologic scar tissue. Treatment for LTS is surgical due to the lack of effective medical therapies. The purpose of this method is to construct a biocompatible stent that can be miniaturized to place into mice with LTS. We demonstrated that a PLLA-PCL (70% poly-L-lactide and 30% polycaprolactone) construct had optimal biomechanical strength, was biocompatible, practicable for an in vivo placement stent, and capable of eluting drug. This method provides a drug delivery system for testing various immunomodulatory agents to locally inhibit inflammation and reduce airway fibrosis. Manufacturing the stents takes 28-30 h and can be reproduced easily, allowing for experiments with large cohorts. Here we incorporated the drug rapamycin within the stent to test its effectiveness in reducing fibrosis and collagen deposition. Results revealed that PLLA-PCL tents showed reliable rapamycin release, were mechanically stable in physiological conditions, and were biocompatible, inducing little inflammatory response in the trachea. Further, the rapamycin-eluting PLLA-PCL stents reduced scar formation in the trachea in vivo.

Effect of topical application of mitomycin-c as an adjuvant treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

Background Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) has become more frequent because of prolonged endotracheal intubation (PEI). The endoscopic treatment of LTS is often associated with high recurrence rate owing to excessive fibrosis. Mitomycin-c (MMC) inhibits fibroblast proliferation, so it is used at the time of endoscopic dilation to improve outcomes. Objective The aim was to assess the effect of application of topical MMC in the treatment of LTS to prevent recurrence of stenosis. Patients and methods A prospective study was carried out on 20 patients with LTS subjected to endoscopic dilatation. All patients were divided to two groups: group A (case group) included 10 patients with LTS who were subjected to endoscopic dilatation with topical application of MMC (0.5 mg/ml), and group B (control group) included 10 patients with LTS who were subjected to endoscopic dilatation without topical application of MMC. A neck computed tomography scan was done for all patients to detect the site and length of stenotic area. Results In group A, LTS was due to PEI in six (30%) patients, due to laryngoscleroma in three (30%) patients, and due to Wegener’s granulomatosis in one (10%) patients, whereas in group B, it was due to PEI in four (40%) patients, due to rhinoscleroma in four (40%) patients, and due to Wegener’s granulomatosis in two (2%) patients. The most common site of stenosis was subglottic and trachea in both groups. Most of the patients in case group ended up with grade 2 dyspnea (mild dyspnea with no limitation to daily activities), whereas three patients in control group achieved this outcome, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.043). None of the patients in the case group developed postoperative stridor 6 months after surgery, compared with four patients in the control group. Conclusion Topical application of MMC as an adjuvant treatment for endoscopic management of LTS has shown good results, low recurrence rate, and high success rate.

The minimal clinically important difference of the dyspnea index in laryngotracheal stenosis.

The Dyspnea Index (DI) is a validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument that has been used in the management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is an established concept to help determine the change in a PRO instrument that reflects meaningful change for the patient. It is not known what change in the DI is of clinical significance in airway surgery. This study aims to determine the MCID for the DI in patients undergoing surgical treatment for LTS. This is a prospective cohort study in which 26 patients with LTS completed the DI (score range 0 to 40) before and 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively, in addition to a Global Ratings Change Questionnaire (GRCQ), scored from -7 to +7, at the postoperative interval. A hypothesis test was carried out to test the association between GRCQ and change in DI. The MCID for change in DI was determined using anchor-based analysis. Overall mean change in DI was -11, and mean change in GRCQ was +5. Change in DI scores were significantly different among the improvement and no improvement groups (P value <0.002). Area under the receiver operating curve was 0.92, demonstrating high discriminatory ability of the change in DI score. A change of -4 was determined to be the threshold that discriminated between significant improvement and no improvement. A decrease of 4 in the DI can be considered as the MCID for patients with LTS after surgical treatment. 2b Laryngoscope, 130:1775-1779, 2020.

Management of Laryngotracheal Stenosis: A 10-Year Study on the Role of Stents

Introduction Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is mostly due to road traffic accidents, prolonged intubation, and tracheostomy. Objectives This study focused on a 10-year experience on the role of stents in the management of LTS in a tertiary referral hospital. The aims of this study were to study the internal dimensions of the subglottis and upper trachea in the Indian adult population; to study the mucosal response to injury to the subglottis and the trachea; and to develop an ideal stent for use in LTS in a rabbit model. Materials and Methods The authors have been treating patients with LTS since 2000. The present study deals with the experience of 82 cases of LTS treated over the past 10 years using stents as well as surgical procedures such as Shiann Yann Lee tracheoplasty and tracheal resection and anastomosis. The work also involved a focused research on LTS using rabbits by inducing injury to the mucosa of the upper trachea and subglottis and histological study of the response to injury. The study led to the development of new indigenous stent for use in rabbits to prevent LTS. This stent has been patented. Statistical Analysis The study of the subglottis and upper tracheal discussion have been analyzed and proved that the dimension in the Indian adult population was smaller than in Caucasians. The mucosal inflammation following injury at the subglottis and upper trachea can be reversed by topical application of triamcinolone, which was better than Mitomycin on statistical analysis. Results The quality of life measured after treatment of LTS using stents and other methods of reconstructive surgery has given an overall benefit of 90% with no mortality. Conclusion LTS is a preventable disease. It can be prevented by proper care of patients in ICU and correct technique of endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. Further, it can be avoided using medications during extubation and proper decannulation protocol. The silastic “T” tube stents are useful to improve the quality of life in these patients.

Health Care Costs and Cost-effectiveness in Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is resource-intensive disease. The cost-effectiveness of LTS treatments has not been adequately explored. We aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing open reconstruction (cricotracheal/tracheal resection [CTR/TR]) with endoscopic dilation in the treatment of LTS. Retrospective cohort. Tertiary referral center (2013-2017). Thirty-four LTS patients were recruited. Annual costs were derived from the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University. Cost-effectiveness analysis compared CTR/TR versus endoscopic dilation at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) over 5- and 10-year time horizons. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated with deterministic analysis and tested for sensitivity with univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Mean LTS costs were $4080.09 (SE, $569.29) annually for related health care visits. The major risk factor for increased cost was etiology of stenosis. As compared with idiopathic patients, patients with intubation-related stenosis had significantly higher annual costs ($5286.56 vs $2873.62, P = .03). The cost of CTR/TR was $8583.91 (SE, $2263.22). Over a 5-year time horizon, CTR/TR gained $896 per QALY over serial dilations and was cost-effective. Over a 10-year time horizon, CTR/TR dominated dilations with a lower cost and higher QALY. The cost of treatment for LTS is significant. Patients with intubation-related stenosis have significantly higher annual costs than do idiopathic patients. CTR/TR contributes significantly to cost in LTS but is cost-effective versus endoscopic dilations for appropriately selected patients over a 5- and 10-year horizon.

Montgomery tracheal t-tube stenting as a single first-line treatment in postintubation laryngotracheal stenosis

ObjectiveThe aim was to evaluate the use of Montgomery tracheal T-tube stenting as a single first-line treatment for postintubation laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), addressing the outcomes, its main complications, and how to manage them.Materials and methodsFrom March 2012 to April 2017, 25 patients with postintubation LTS had contraindication(s) for laryngotracheal surgery and were treated by Montgomery tracheal T-tube stenting as a single first-line treatment. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative follow-up data were collected retrospectively and analyzed.ResultsSuccessful outcome was reported in 16 (64%) patients, whereas seven (28%) patients had recurrent stridor after T-tube removal. It was reinserted in two of them, and the rest were subjected to other surgical procedures. Mortality was reported in two patients. Complications of different nature, severity, and durations were reported, and most of them were detected and managed successfully by applying close follow-up protocols.ConclusionMontgomery tracheal T-tube stenting is a very valuable modality in the treatment of LTS as a single first-line treatment when surgical option is contraindicated. It has a relatively low incidence of treatable complications; however, false sense of security must be avoided to ensure good outcome.

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

Laryngotracheal stenosis in children

Laryngotracheal stenosis includes congenital laryngotracheal stenosis and secondary laryngotracheal stenosis. Congenital laryngotracheal anomalies are rare, accounting for 0.3%-1.0% of all laryngotracheal stenosis(LTS). Despite the management of pediatric LTS over the past 30 years had been considerable improved, primary surgery still failed in a significant number of complex LTS cases. In some severe LTS cases combined with glottic stenosis, the primary surgery failed around 30%, even with the latest available techniques. Children with LTS usually need multiple operations, and need the tracheostomy tube for months or even years. Therefore, the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis are summarized in this paper.

The therapy with ethosomes containing 5-fluorouracil for laryngotracheal stenosis in rabbit models.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ethosomes encapsulated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis in rabbit models. The 5-FU ethosome was prepared by the thin film hydration method, and the amorphous, size distribution and the encapsulation efficiency was investigated. The tracheal mucosa were scraped about 0.5cm with a nylon brush to induce the scar in airway grow, then models were divided into three groups: 5-FU ethosome group, 5-FU group and saline group, drug were injected into scar of every group by paracentesis guided under endoscope, respectively. The stenosis states were observed under laryngo fiberscope immediate, 7, 14 and 21days after administrated. Airway stenosis of 5-FU ethosome group has no significant difference when compared with 5-FU group at 7days after administration, but 5-FU ethosome significantly reduced the airway stenosis after 21-day administration when compared with 5-FU group again and has no restenosis during the period under observation. The fact that ethosomes encapsulated with 5-FU were effective for laryngotracheal stenosis suggests that it has potential as a new method for ameliorating airway stenosis originating from granulation tissue.

Issues in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

Issues in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

Tracheal T-tube: a novel endoscopic insertion technique.

Laryngotracheal stenosis is a complex condition of airway compromise involving either the larynx or trachea, or both. This paper describes a new method of endoscopically inserting a silicone tracheal T-tube as treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis. The advantages of this method over previously described methods are discussed.

Management of Laryngotracheal Stenosis - Still Remains a Challenge for Successful Outcome

Abstract Management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is still an enigma and remains a challenge even for an expert surgical team. The treatment of LTS is quite difficult and often associated with significant risk and complications. Even with the availability of many surgical options, proper selection of surgical technique in each clinical situation is the key behind successful outcome. Selection of appropriate surgical repair depends on the site of stenotic segment, severity, duration, and cause of functional impairment. It requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and planning. No single approach is ideal and often several techniques may be needed before decannulation can be achieved. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the pathophysiology, pre-operative evaluation, surgical principle, surgical technique, graft materials in reconstruction and prevention of LTS and optimum stress given on different suitability of surgical techniques with application of suitable one in relation to site of stenosis and other stenosis parameters.

Long-term quality of life in children after open airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a cohort of children surgically treated for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). Study designProspective cohort study. MethodsParents of children between 4 and 18 years at follow-up completed the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form (CHQ-PF50). Children between 11 and 18 years at follow-up completed the Child Health Questionnaire Child Form (CHQ-CF87). Biographical and pre-operative data were extracted from the hospital records. Post-operative measurements consisted of the Bruce treadmill test and pulmonary function testing (PFT). ResultsFifty-four parents completed the CHQ-PF50; twenty-one children completed the CHQ-CF87. The CHQ-PF50 was significantly worse than the norm population on the subscales physical functioning, role functioning: emotional/behavior, general health perceptions, family activities, parental impact: emotional, and time. CHQ-CF87 was significantly worse than the norm population on physical functioning and better on mental health. After multivariate analysis, presence of co-morbidities and glottic stenosis are the most important pre-operative factors for worse scores on general health. As post-operative measurements, the Bruce treadmill test and peak expiratory flow (PEF) correlate well with HRQoL physical subscales. ConclusionsAt long-term follow-up after treatment for LTS, deficits in HRQoL may still exist. Presence of co-morbidities and glottic stenosis are important negative factors for long-term HRQoL. The Bruce treadmill test and peak expiratory flow on pulmonary function testing correlate well with physical subscales on HRQoL. A long-term multidisciplinary follow-up with assessment of HRQoL is advised in patients treated for LTS. Level of evidence2B, individual prospective cohort study.

The Efficacy of Mitomycin C in the Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Results and Experiences with a Difficult Disease Entity

Background/Aims: Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a difficult entity to treat, with many patients requiring multiple procedures. Our study assessed the efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) application as complimentary treatment of LTS. Methods: We reviewed clinical charts of patients with operative procedures for LTS between January 2005 and May 2013. Patients were grouped according to mitomycin use. Several outcome measures were assessed, including the number of procedures and time between procedures. Results: Seventy-one patients were included in the study (30 MMC, 41 non-MMC). They underwent similar numbers of procedures (2.3 MMC, 2.0 non-MMC, p > 0.05). The average time between procedures was 360 (MMC) and 178 (non-MMC) days (p = 0.015). Multiple treatments with mitomycin increased the duration between procedures (366 vs. 340 days, multiple vs. single application, p > 0.05). Fewer mitomycin patients underwent procedures for respiratory distress than non-MMC patients (6.6 vs. 19.5%, p > 0.05). Mitomycin use increased the duration between procedures in patients treated specifically for subglottic stenosis (375 vs. 186 days, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results and experiences with mitomycin demonstrate it is an effective agent for adjuvant treatment of LTS. Its use lengthens the symptom-free period, with further improvement demonstrated when patients expected to undergo multiple surgeries receive multiple mitomycin treatments.

Finding balance between minimally invasive surgery and laryngotracheal resection in the management of adult laryngotracheal stenosis

Management of adult laryngotracheal stenosis is complex and several treatment options are known. The present study focuses on finding the right balance between minimally invasive surgery and laryngotracheal resection by reviewing a single institution's experiences. Retrospective analysis was performed of all adult and adolescent patients with laryngotracheal stenosis who underwent treatment in a tertiary referral center, between 1990 and 2012. Age, gender, etiology, treatment, recurrence, pre- and post-operative peak flow (PF), and pre- and post-treatment subjective complain scores (SCS) were registered. 87 patients with 267 interventions were analyzed. There were 238 dilatation tracheoscopies, 22 open surgeries and various other endoscopic procedures registered. Idiopathic stenoses required the most dilatation tracheoscopies, while post-tracheotomy stenoses required the least. Patients in the post-intubation and post-tracheotomy groups were significantly more often treated with open surgery compared to those in the granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and idiopathic groups. The gain in PF flow after dilatation tracheoscopy was significantly higher in the idiopathic group compared to the other groups. The median SCS of dyspnoea decreased in the whole population, while other SCS did not change remarkably. Repeated endoscopic procedures are recommended in patients with severe systemic disease which do not allow open surgery or when other comorbidities contraindicate open surgery. Open surgery very often offers the definitive solution in the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis and cannot be avoided when the laryngeal or the tracheal framework is damaged. Patients' personal preferences have to be considered in the pre-operative assessment process.