Use of the carbon dioxide laser with the Montgomery T-tube in the management of extensive subglottic stenosis.

Subglottic and tracheal stenosis frequently present difficulties in management. Two cases of subglottic stenosis occurring after prolonged endotracheal intubation are presented where the vertical length of complete obstruction by scar tissue was greater than 2.5 cm. One case was successfully managed by the use of the laser and immediate insertion of a stent. The other case still requires subglottic stenting, although an excellent lumen was established by laser vaporization of the stenosed segment.