The surgical treatment of inflammatory and fibrous laryngotracheal stenosis.

Seventy-two patients with laryngeal or laryngo-tracheal stenotic lesions resulting from tracheal intubation or laryngo-tracheal injuries are reported. Prior to 1978, the method of surgical treatment consisted mainly of laryngoplasty supported by laryngeal stenting. Twenty-six patients were treated by this method with 2 mortalities. Twenty-one long term results were good and 3 were fair. After 1978, laryngo-tracheal resection was performed in 46 patients. Twenty-seven had a Pearson-type operation, 13 underwent total or subtotal cricoid plate resection and modelling, and the remaining 6 had modelling alone. Perfect results after resection depend on the treatment of infection and inflammation of the airway before surgery. Our preferred method is resection and end-to-end anastomosis whenever possible. In addition to the anatomical site of the lesion, the glottic opening has to be considered in planning the surgical operation since impairment necessitates enlargement of the glottis as part of the procedure.