Laryngotracheal stenosis in children.

The diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis should be suspected in children with stridor, feeding difficulties, or atypical croup. Only half of the children with congenital laryngotracheal stenosis require tracheotomy, and many of these children can be decannulated following uncomplicated surgical therapy. In contrast, tracheotomy-dependent patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis require more extensive surgical intervention, which should be carried out as early as possible to provide the best opportunity for developing normal oral communication.