Partial cricoid resection with primary tracheal anastomosis for subglottic stenosis in infants and children.

Fifteen infants and children with a severe subglottic stenosis underwent a partial cricoid resection with primary tracheal anastomosis. The etiology of the stenosis was congenital in 3 cases and was acquired after prolonged intubation in 12. Fourteen patients were tracheotomy dependent at the time of surgery, and 13 (87%) of the 15 were classified grade III (7 cases) and IV (6 cases) according to Cotton. The resection included the cricoid only in 5 cases and the cricoid and a segment of trachea (1 to 4 rings) in 10 cases. Decannulation was achieved after a single open procedure in 14 (93%) of the cases. The authors encountered no lesion of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and no fatalities. There was, however, 1 restenosis. Twelve cases were decannulated within 6 months, most of them at 2 months. The postoperative voice is normal in 10 cases, and a slight dysphonia is present in 4 cases. Twelve patients show no exertional dyspnea, and 2 exhibit a slight stridor while practicing sports. Ten of 14 cases have been followed for more than 5 years, with the longest follow-up now being 14 years. In all cases, the laryngotracheal development is normal. The results of this small series compare favorably with those of laryngotracheoplasty procedures usually performed for subglottic stenosis in infants and children. In the future, partial cricoid resection with primary tracheal anastomosis should be considered as an important treatment option for severe subglottic stenoses in infants and children.