Slide laryngotracheopexy for idiopathic subglottic stenosis.

Abstract

Objectives: Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by scar tissue formation in the subglottic and tracheal regions. This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of a novel, single-step surgical technique that redefines the glottic and subglottic airway using local tracheal grafts.

Methods: Thirteen patients (2 male and 11 female) diagnosed with iSGS who underwent slide laryngotracheopexy were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of iSGS was confirmed through endoscopic assessment, CT scanning, and autoimmune blood testing. Patients completed post-operative Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Quality of Life (QoL), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaires, and spirometry assessments were conducted.

Results: All patients were successfully extubated in the operating room following surgery. None of the patients required intensive care unit treatment. The average hospital stay was 14 days. A temporary tracheotomy was needed in one case because of excessive crusting. Adjuvant endolaryngeal laser surgery was performed in three cases. In one case, mitomycin-C therapy was administered to treat granulation. Post-operative quality of life (QoL) assessment, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and scores from the MDADI and VHI questionnaires were 9.0 (± 2.2), 2.8 l/s (± 0.83), 95.6 (± 4.3), and 18.7 (± 13.4), respectively.

Conclusion: Slide laryngotracheopexy was a safe and dependable technique for cases classified as Cotton-Myers II-IV grade iSGS. The use of a tracheal flap was advantageous to ensure optimal mucosal function. Slide laryngotracheopexy may be employed following multiple endolaryngeal interventions, whereas adjuvant CO₂ laser surgery or mitomycin-c therapy may be considered in cases involving granulation tissue formation.

Level of evidence: 4:

Study design: Retrospective case series review.