Paediatric subglottic stenosis.

Most reports on paediatric subglottic stenosis have arisen from tertiary referral centres. At the Sheffield Children's Hospital, referrals come from the surrounding region such that almost all paediatric airway problems from this area are seen. This allows an opportunity to look at the overall picture of this condition. A retrospective study was performed to identify all children with subglottic stenosis requiring a tracheostomy since 1979 and to examine the management and eventual outcome in relation to the severity of their stenosis. Forty-two children were identified. There have been four mortalities, two of which have been tube related. Twenty-two laryngotracheoplasty procedures have been performed in 17 patients. Successful decannulation has been achieved in 82%. In the majority of children with more minor stenoses conservative management has lead to successful decannulation. However, with increasingly severe stenosis the necessity of undergoing a laryngotracheoplasty procedure to provide an adequate airway becomes more likely.