Update on the use of auricular cartilage in laryngotracheal reconstruction

The pediatric otolaryngologist is often called upon to aid in the diagnosis and management of subglottic stenosis. This report contains an update of our experience using auricular cartilage in laryngotracheal reconstruction. A retrospective review of the medical records at St Louis Children's Hospital identified 43 children with subglottic stenosis. Thirty-one children were treated by use of auricular cartilage with a success rate of 84%, and an overall 94% success rate after revision surgery. Eight children in whom an anterior cricoid split initially failed were secondarily treated with auricular cartilage with a success rate of 75%. Two children initially treated with costochondral cartilage underwent multiple reconstructive procedures with either auricular cartilage or costochondral cartilage with an overall success rate of 50%. The remaining 2 children had long-segment tracheal stenosis and underwent repair with auricular cartilage with a 50% success rate. We find that auricular cartilage grafts are highly effective when used in a primary single-stage procedure in children with grade I or II stenosis. We have had limited success with auricular cartilage in patients with grade III stenosis and are reluctant to use it in grade IV stenosis, long-segment tracheal stenosis, staged reconstruction, or revision of an auricular or costal cartilage graft laryngotracheal reconstruction.     

Modern management of laryngotracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVES: Laryngotracheal stenosis is a complex problem resulting most often from intubation, trauma,or autoimmune disease. Management options include dilation or airway reconstruction including laryngotracheoplasty (LTP), cricotracheal resection (CTR), and tracheal resection (TR). We describe our experience with management of this difficult problem. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of patients treated for laryngotracheal stenosis between January 1995 and July 2005 at an academic, tertiary referral center. METHODS: A total of 127 patients were treated during the study period. Patients were followed, and hospital records were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 38 male and 89 female patients with an average age of 55.5 years treated for laryngotracheal stenosis resulting from intubation (64), idiopathic (25) or autoimmune disease (18), radiation (9), trauma (5), prior surgery (4), and relapsing polychondritis (2). Thirty-three percent were treated for grade I stenosis, 44% grade II, 19% grade III, and 4% grade IV. Seventy percent of patients undergoing initial dilation required a subsequent procedure. LTP, CTR, or TR was performed in 43%, 48%, 71%, and 100% of patients with grade I through IV stenosis, respectively. Among 76 patients undergoing LTP, CTR, or TR, 24 (32%) required a subsequent intervention. Among 36 patients treated with primary LTP, CTR, or TR, only 10 (28%) required further therapy. Twenty-two of 35 (63%) tracheostomy-dependent patients were ultimately decannulated. Three patients died in the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing dilation for laryngotracheal stenosis require multiple procedures. However, major reconstructive procedures are well tolerated and currently represent a viable primary treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis.     

喉气管狭窄CT扫描三维成像评估及临床应用

目的　应用CT扫描三维成像技术 (spiralCTthree dimensionalimage ,SCT 3DI)评估喉气管狭窄的部位、范围和形态 ,结合纤维喉气管镜检查 ,为喉气管狭窄患者制定最佳的治疗方案。方法对 8例各种类型喉气管狭窄患者术前进行了SCT 3DI检查 ,其中外伤性 5例 ,肉芽组织增生阻塞 2例 ,自幼不明原因声门下狭窄 1例。结果　SCT 3DI检查可准确地反映喉气管狭窄的范围和形态 ,其检查结果与纤维喉气管镜检查和术中所见基本吻合。根据SCT 3DI检查结果 ,5例行颈前进路喉气管重建术 ,2例支撑喉镜下CO2 激光瘢痕或肉芽组织切除术 ,1例行保守治疗。 8例患者术后 6个月均拔除了气管套管 ,获得了比较满意的呼吸和发音功能。结论　喉气管SCT 3DI检查能较准确地判断各种喉气管狭窄患者狭窄的部位和性质 ,为喉气管狭窄患者治疗方案的制定提供正确的客观依据     

Surgical management of laryngotracheal stenosis in adults

The purpose was to evaluate the outcome following the surgical management of a consecutive series of 26 adult patients with laryngotracheal stenosis of varied etiologies in a tertiary care center. Of the 83 patients who underwent surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland, between 1995 and 2003, 26 patients were adults (16 years) and formed the group that was the focus of this study. The stenosis involved the trachea (20), subglottis (1), subglottis and trachea (2), glottis and subglottis (1) and glottis, subglottis and trachea (2). The etiology of the stenosis was post-intubation injury ( n =20), infiltration of the trachea by thyroid tumor ( n =3), seeding from a laryngeal tumor at the site of the tracheostoma ( n =1), idiopathic progressive subglottic stenosis ( n =1) and external laryngeal trauma ( n =1). Of the patients, 20 underwent tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, and 5 patients had partial cricotracheal resection and thyrotracheal anastomosis. The length of resection varied from 1.5 to 6 cm, with a median length of 3.4 cm. Eighteen patients were extubated in the operating room, and six patients were extubated during a period of 12 to 72 h after surgery. Two patients were decannulated at 12 and 18 months, respectively. One patient, who developed anastomotic dehiscence 10 days after surgery, underwent revision surgery with a good outcome. On long-term outcome assessment, 15 patients achieved excellent results, 7 patients had a good result and 4 patients died of causes unrelated to surgery (mean follow-up period of 3.6 years). No patient showed evidence of restenosis. The excellent functional results of cricotracheal/tracheal resection and primary anastomosis in this series confirm the efficacy and reliability of this approach towards the management of laryngotracheal stenosis of varied etiologies. Similar to data in the literature, post-intubation injury was the leading cause of stenosis in our series. A resection length of up to 6 cm with laryngeal release procedures (when necessary) was found to be technically feasible.     

Evaluation of laryngotracheal stenosis with spiral CT three-dimensional images and clinical application]

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of spiral computed tomography three-dimensional images (SCT-3DI) in the evaluation of patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. The value and utility of SCT-3DI compared with actual endoscopy were also investigated in terms of accuracy of diagnosis and validity of treatment. METHODS: Eight patients with laryngotracheal stenosis were underwent SCT-3DI and regular endoscopy examination preoperatively. Of eight patients, Five had traumatic causes, two with tracheal narrowing due to tracheal granulomas, one with too much scar tissue of unknown etiology in the subglottic area. The location, extent and contour of the stenosis were identified and compared with actual endoscopy findings, and confirmed by surgical procedures. RESULTS: SCT-3DI evaluation was accurate in assessing the length, width and shape of all the laryngotracheal stenosis in our study. The results of SCT-3DI were best correlated with actual endoscopy findings and those found in the surgery. Based on the SCT-3DI, five patients were treated by open surgical techniques including laryngotracheal reconstruction procedures and dilation methods with hyoid grafts or stents. Two undertaken endoscopic treatment with CO2 laser excision of scar tissue or granulomas, one accepted no surgical procedures. All eight patients were successfully decannulated with improved voice and satisfied airway after 6-month postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the upper airway with SCT-3DI is useful in the diagnosis, measurement, and definition of the laryngotracheal stenosis. Objective data obtained from SCT-3DI is very helpful for operative scheme. Patients treated with appropriate procedures best suited for every stenosis have reached satisfactory clinical results.     

Allograft tracheoplasty technique for management of refractory tracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVES: Extensive tracheal airway defects represent a clinical dilemma. Although resection and reanastomosis and staged tracheoplasty may prove beneficial in some cases, recurrent or extensive circumferential stenosis remains a reconstructive challenge. We report the use of the allograft tracheoplasty technique for the reconstruction of recurrent, extensive defects of the trachea and cricoid. METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with recurrent tracheal stenosis were treated with the two-stage allograft tracheoplasty technique. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate for prior surgery, length of stenosis, surgical technique, and outcome. All 9 patients underwent multiple surgical procedures for acquired tracheal stenosis (average, 3.4 procedures) before undergoing the allograft tracheoplasty technique. Before surgery, all patients were tracheotomy-dependent. RESULTS: The patients were assessed 8 to 39 months after allograft tracheoplasty. The primary airway disorders included postintubation stenosis (n = 6), surgical resection for malignancy (n = 1), and idiopathic stenosis (n = 2). Three defects involved 30% to 60% of the cricoid cartilage, and 4 defects were complete circumferential tracheal defects. Five patients underwent an island deltopectoral flap for closure of the tracheoplasty site. One patient had a superficial wound infection at the cartilage recipient site, and 1 patient had a hematoma at the deltopectoral flap donor site. All 9 patients were successfully decannulated without shortness of breath, stridor, or recurrent stenosis at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Allograft tracheoplasty is a new technique for the reconstruction of recurrent tracheal stenosis. It appears to be reliable for extensive airway defects that are refractory to conventional tracheoplasty techniques.     

喉气管狭窄合并气管食管瘘I期手术治疗

目的探讨喉气管狭窄合并气管食管瘘患者的I期手术治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2007年3月-2017年3月诊治的喉气管狭窄合并气管食管瘘患者共6例的手术方式和治疗效果。根据喉气管狭窄范围和程度的不同,行喉气管狭窄切除,分别采用气管-甲状软骨、气管-环状软骨或气管-气管端端吻合术,并I期行胸骨舌骨肌筋膜瓣转移加强修补食道瘘孔。结果所有患者气管食管瘘均I期愈合。5例患者拔除气管套管,呼吸功能恢复良好,仅1例患者未能拔除气管套管。结论对于喉气管狭窄合并气管食管瘘的患者,可以行I期气管食管瘘修复并喉气管狭窄切除,根据狭窄部位的不同,采用气管-甲状软骨、气管-环状软骨吻合术或气管-气管端端吻合术,可以取得良好的效果。     

Dilatation for assisted ventilation-induced laryngotracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term results of dilatation and our experience with dilatation for assisted ventilation-induced laryngotracheal stenosis. DESIGN: A retrospective study of 32 patients primarily treated with dilatation for assisted ventilation-induced laryngotracheal stenosis between 1977 and 2002. SETTING: A tertiary care center and university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: There were 19 men and 13 women aged 15 to 76 years. The stenosis was cicatricial with some inflammatory process in 27 patients and completely mature in 5 patients. The stenosis involved the cricoid and the trachea in four patients. In 28 patients, the stenosis involved only the trachea. METHODS: Dilatation was performed with serially sized rigid bronchoscopes. Endoscopic laser vaporization was never performed in this series. Six patients were treated with only one dilatation. The 26 remaining patients were treated with successively 2 to 10 dilatations (mean, 3.3 dilatations). The dilatation success rate was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Median duration of follow-up was 1.8 years. Mortality rate was 9.4%. The overall failure rate was 71.8%. Twenty patients presented with recurrent stenosis. The treatment of recurrent stenosis consisted of tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis (11 patients, 55%), cricotracheal anastomosis (5 patients, 25%), tracheal endoprosthesis (2 patients, 10%), and tracheotomy (1 patient, 5%). All patients who underwent tracheal or cricotracheal anastomosis were successfully treated. None of the variables under analysis (sex, age, medical history, cause for intubation, intubation type and duration, delay from initial injury, degree of stenosis, length of trachea involved, number of dilatations) were statistically related to the incidence of complications and the success rate of dilatations. CONCLUSIONS: We do not recommend dilatation technique as the sole treatment for assisted ventilation-induced laryngotracheal stenosis. This technique is helpful in case of emergency to restore an airway and useful for the assessment of stenosis.     

胸骨舌骨肌舌骨瓣转移治疗声门下喉气管狭窄

目的　探讨胸骨舌骨肌蒂舌骨瓣 (hyoidgraftwithsternohyoidmuscleflap ,HG SHMF)转移术治疗复杂声门下喉气管狭窄的可行性。方法　共对 7例因环状软骨和气管软骨环部分缺损或声门下瘢痕组织增生所致的声门下喉气管狭窄患者实施了HG SHMF转移重建术。其中 ,外伤性声门下喉气管狭窄 5例 ,自幼不明原因声门下瘢痕组织增生所致狭窄 1例 ,盐酸气体吸入所致 1例。 7例患者均因气管切开术后不能拔除气管套管而就诊 ,其中 5例已接受 2次以上喉气管探查及重建手术。结果　 7例患者术后均顺利拔除气管套管 ,自觉发音质量和呼吸功能较术前明显改善。喉气管扩张子或T型管留置时间平均 9 6个月 ,术后气管套管拔除时间平均 15 4个月。有 2例患者分别因喉气管扩张子和HG SHMF移位需再次行喉气管扩张子置入和HG SHMF复位术 ,该 2例患者分别于术后 6个月和 17个月拔除气管套管 ,恢复了较满意的呼吸和发音功能。结论　HG SHMF转移修复声门下喉气管狭窄的重建手术 ,操作简单易行 ,并发症少 ,具有较高的成功率和较好的远期疗效。术后定期随访可早期发现有无移植物和喉气管扩张子移位以及肉芽组织增生 ,有助于防止再狭窄的形成     

Traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis--an alternative surgical technique

Reconstruction of combined laryngotracheal stenosis requires complex techniques including resection and incorporation of grafts and stents that can be performed as single or multistaged procedure. A complicated case of traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis was managed by us, surgical technique is discussed. A 16-year-old male presented with Stage-3 laryngotracheal stenosis of grade-3 to 4 (>70% of the complete obstruction of tracheal lumen) of 5 cm segment of the larynx and trachea. Restoration of the critical functions of respiration and phonation was achieved in this patient by resection anastomosis of the trachea and with subglottic remodeling. Resection of 5 cm long segment of trachea and primary anastomosis in this case would have created tension at the site of anastomosis. So we did tracheal resection of 3 cm segment of trachea along with subglottic remodeling instead of removing the 5 cm segment of stenosed laryngotracheal region and doing thyrotracheal anastomosis. In complicated long segment, laryngotracheal stenosis, tracheal resection and subglottic remodeling with primary anastomosis can be an alternative approach. Fibrin glue can be used to support free bone/cartilage grafts in laryngotracheal reconstructions.     

Treatment of severe subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis using hyoid graft with sternohyoid muscle flap]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possibility and reliability of the hyoid-sternohyoid graft transfer in the correction of server subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis, and delineate the operation skills and clinical results. METHODS: Seven patients with severe subglottic stenosis underwent laryngotracheal reconstruction using the hyoid grafts with sternohyoid muscle flaps (HG-SHMF). Five of these patients had traumatic subglottic stenosis, one with scar tissue of unknown etiology arising in the subglottic region, another with tracheal narrowing caused by inhalation of hydrochloric acid. RESULTS: All seven patients were successfully decannulated with moderate good voice. The average time from reconstruction to decannulation was 15.4 months. The stent was endoscopically removed with a range of 3 to 22 months; the mean time required for stenting was 9.6 months. Two patients who received additional salvage reconstruction procedures because of graft or stent displacement were extubated with improved voices and satisfactory airway. CONCLUSIONS: The HG-SHMF transfer was a single-stage reconstruction, relatively simple procedure that can restore an adequate airway and a good voice. Patients undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction with HG-SHMF must have regular, long-term follow-up since graft displacement and recurrent granulation tissue or scar reformation can cause restenosis after an initially successful surgery. This procedure should be used in a large number of patients to further test its reliability.     

Laryngotracheal reconstruction in adults with the sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap.

Subglottic or tracheal reconstruction may be required in cases of subglottic stenosis, invasive thyroid carcinoma, or trauma. The sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap uses clavicular periosteum on a muscle pedicle to provide vascularity. Clavicular periosteum is fibrous and durable and will conform to the shape of the trachea, forming bone to provide stability to the airway. The procedure is relatively simple and involves single-stage reconstruction. Success has been achieved in reconstruction of long-standing subglottic and/or tracheal stenosis and in cases of extreme tracheal defects. On the basis of 8 years' experience with this flap, we present the results from a series of 26 patients who underwent subglottic or tracheal reconstruction with the sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap. Twenty-five of the 26 patients were successfully decannulated. Complications have been expanded to include one case of osteomyelitis of the sternum with mediastinitis, and 1 patient required revision. Subsequently, modifications of technique and patient management have been adopted. The complications compare favorably in frequency and in seriousness with those of other techniques for laryngotracheal reconstruction. We describe additional experience with this procedure and longer follow-up to establish its position as a first-line reconstructive approach for widespread clinical use.     

Laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft for complex laryngotracheal stenosis and/or anterior neck defect

To study the effectiveness of laryngotracheal reconstruction with rib cartilage graft for complex laryngotracheal stenosis and/or anterior neck defect, 62 patients with complex laryngotracheal stenosis and/or anterior neck defect underwent laryngotracheal reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft. The surgical procedures were laryngotracheotomy with rib cartilage graft interposition and silicon-tube stent placed in the region of laryngotracheal stenosis and/or anterior neck defect for the period of between 10 days and 12 months. Three patients with complex subglottic stenosis and anterior neck defects underwent a single-stage reconstruction with a combined rib cartilage graft interposition and fasciocutaneous flap reparation. One patient with a complex subglottic and superior thoracic tracheal stenosis underwent a staged operation. Of the 62 patients, 46 patients (74.1 %) were successfully decannulated. One patient had combined subglottic stenosis, which was healed, and superior thoracic tracheal stenosis, which is undergoing treatment. 15 patients (24.2 %) had failure in decannulation due to either wound infection followed by rib cartilage necrosis, or granulation tissue formation and restenosis. Of these 15 patients, ten required revision operations and delayed healing. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 10 years. Of 46 patients, who were successfully decannulated, 36 had a satisfactory airway and a functional voice; two had restenosis due to partial laryngectomy for laryngocarcinoma recurrence 1 year after decannulation; eight were lost to follow-up after successfully decannulated. We conclude that this method can provide effective treatment for complex laryngotracheal stenosis and/or anterior neck defects. It is relatively simple with a high decannulation rate in selected patients.     

Revision single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction in children

In this report, we discuss indications, technique, outcome, and complications of revision single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR), formulate guidelines to avoid or prevent procedure failure, and establish a protocol for the management of procedure failure. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 122 patients between the ages of 8 months and 9 years who underwent SSLTR between January 1992 and September 2001 in 2 tertiary care children's medical centers in different cities and assessed the outcomes of patients who underwent revision SSLTR. A total of 122 patients underwent SSLTR, of whom 48 patients underwent anterior and posterior grafting. Of the 122 patients, 13 had revision SSLTR; 8 of these 13 underwent the initial laryngotracheal reconstruction at another institution. Five patients had anterior grafting laryngotracheal reconstruction without stenting, 7 had anterior and posterior grafting with 1 to 21 days of endotracheal intubation, and I had cricotracheal resection and anastomosis. Of the 13 patients, 5 had anterior wall or graft collapse (grade IV stenosis), 4 had subglottic stenosis (grade IV), 2 had circumferential subglottic stenosis (grade III), and 2 had subglottic and glottic stenosis (grade IV). The overall success rate for all patients was 86% (105 of 122). The success rates for the 122 patients were as follows: anterior grafting, 100%; anterior and posterior grafting, 83% (40 of 48); and revision cases, 70% (9 of 13). We conclude that laryngotracheal reconstruction with a costal cartilage rib graft should be considered the procedure of choice for the management of subglottic stenosis. We believe that patients in whom the first procedure fails should have a high chance of success with revision SSLTR if strict guidelines and protocols are followed.     

Surgical management of scleromatous laryngotracheal stenosis

Objective

Scleroma is a chronic specific granulomatous disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis. It usually affects the subglottic region and upper trachea resulting in various degrees of stenosis. Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis may present with stridor, shortness of breath or exercise intolerance and may be tracheostomy dependent. In this work, we presented the experience of our Institute in the management of patients with scleromatous laryngotracheal stenosis using the already designed procedures for traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis.

Patients and methods

The study was a non controlled prospective study. It was conducted in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. It included 38 patients with scleromatous subglottic stenosis and/or upper tracheal stenosis. The patients were classified into four grades according to Myer–Cotton's scale. The surgical treatment modalities included endoscopic CO₂ laser surgery with dilatation, laryngotracheal reconstruction, and partial cricotracheal resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis.

Results

The average follow-up period was 32.1 months. Twenty four patients (63%) had an excellent outcome. Nine patients (24%) had a good outcome. Five patients (13%) were still tracheostomy dependent. Eleven patients (29%) developed postoperative granulation tissue. The overall success rate was 87%.

Conclusion

Scleromatous laryngotracheal stenosis is considered a challenging surgical problem. It requires a multidisciplinary approach by well-trained personnel. The surgical techniques designed for cases of laryngotracheal stenosis of a traumatic etiology can be applied for cases of scleroma with approximately the same success rates.     

喉气管狭窄的手术治疗分析

目的探讨喉气管狭窄的手术治疗方式和疗效。方法对25例喉气管狭窄的患者进行手术治疗,其中4例喉癌术后肉芽增生,1例喉乳头状瘤反复术后狭窄和1例喉淀粉样变致喉狭窄患者行支撑喉镜＋显微镜下激光手术;9例喉外伤后喉瘢痕狭窄患者行喉成形T形管置入术;1例外伤后气管狭窄、3例气管插管后气管狭窄和1例气管乳头状瘤患者行气管成形T形管置入术;2例气管外伤后狭窄和1例气管插管后气管狭窄患者行气管楔形切除端端吻合术;2例甲状腺恶性肿瘤侵犯气管患者在肿瘤根治基础上行袖状切除端端吻合术。分别观察不同术式的手术疗效。结果术后随访时间6个月至3年,2例支撑喉镜手术后复发,长期带管;6例T形管取出后有肉芽组织增生,经激光切除后4例最终拔管;1例2次行T管置入后仍瘢痕形成,最终行气管楔形切除端端吻合术并拔管,1例仍长期带管,其余8例T形管取出后效果良好,顺利拔管;5例气管楔形切除术或袖状切除端端吻合术者,术后均无气管狭窄。结论喉气管狭窄的治疗应根据病因、狭窄的性质、范围、部位制订个体化治疗方案,才可能获得满意的效果。     

Single-stage adult laryngotracheal reconstruction without stenting

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To present the indications, surgical technique, and results of single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) without stenting for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) in adults. Various open surgical techniques have been previously described for LTS in adults; however, these techniques usually involve placement of intraluminal stents. The practice of early extubation without stenting is common for pediatric SSLTR. The success of this technique in the pediatric population has led to a trial of the same technique in selected cases of adult LTS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 15 patients with glottic, subglottic, or tracheal stenosis or a combination of these, who underwent SSLTR with composite nasal septal grafts or costal cartilage grafts without stenting. RESULTS: All patients were extubated or decannulated 1 to 7 days after surgery. Three of the 15 patients had no further procedures. Three patients had a second SSLTR to repair stenosis at a different level with no further difficulties. Eight patients had additional endoscopic airway procedures after extubation or decannulation, and one patient died in the immediate postoperative period. All 14 surviving patients are decannulated and well at the time of writing. CONCLUSION: For LTS in selected adult cases, SSLTR without stenting is a viable option. Indications, surgical technique, and complications are presented.     

声门下喉气管狭窄外科治疗

目的探讨复杂声门下喉及气管狭窄的外科治疗,提高喉气管狭窄的手术疗效。方法对20例因环状软骨和气管软骨环部分缺损或声门下瘢痕组织增生所致的声门下喉气管狭窄患者分别实施了胸骨舌骨肌蒂舌骨瓣(7例)、胸锁乳突肌锁骨骨膜瓣(12例)、游离皮片(1例)转移重建术,术后放置T型管。结果20例患者均于术后6个月顺利拔除T型管,恢复了较满意的呼吸和发音功能。结论胸骨舌骨肌蒂舌骨瓣、胸锁乳突肌锁骨骨膜瓣、游离皮片转移加T型管植入修复声门下喉气管狭窄的重建手术,具有较高的成功率和较好疗效。     

Laryngotracheal stenosis and restenosis. What has the influence on the final outcome?

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of various parameters on the course and treatment outcome in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis and recurrent stenosis. Two groups of patients were compared: Group I included 29 patients with primary stenosis, and Group II included 22 patients with recurrent stenosis. The most frequent etiological factor for the development of stenosis was prolonged endotracheal intubation (79.3:77.3%), with subglottic-tracheal (44.8:45.5%) and tracheal (48.3:36.4%) localization being the most affected. Subglottic-tracheal stenosis was more common in men. There were no significant differences between the groups in regard to the grade of lumen obstruction and the length of the resected segment. In male patients, the length of the resected stenotic segment was significantly longer. Subglottic-tracheal stenoses were longer than tracheal ones. Various surgical procedures were performed, with additional management of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, if necessary. Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) with costal cartilage grafting (CCG) was statistically significantly more often performed in Group II, while cricotracheal resection (CTR) was more common in Group I. The incidence of complications in Group I was 24.1%, and in Group II it was 31.8%. Satisfactory airway lumen with undisturbed breathing was achieved in 93.1% of patients in Group I, and in 95.3% in Group II. Since the success rate was similar in both groups of the patients, it could be concluded that treatment outcome depends less on the factors associated with the stenosis, and more on adequate choice of surgical procedure and surgical team know-how.     

Bacterial colonization of airway stents: a promoter of granulation tissue formation following laryngotracheal reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether airway granulation, a common occurrence during laryngotracheal reconstructive surgery and a common cause of delays in definitive treatment and treatment failure, is associated with a microbial etiology. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral airway reconstruction unit. PATIENTS: Patients who had an airway stent as part of their treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis. INTERVENTIONS: All airway stents were sent for microbiological analysis. Information about patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and presence of airway granulation tissue at different times during treatment were obtained and correlated against the microbiological findings from airway stents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A chi2 test was used to correlate airway colonization with specific pathogens and occurrence of airway granulation. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent microbiological predictors of airway granulation. RESULTS: Thirty-one airway stents were removed from 26 patients. The mean (SD) age at presentation was 42 (18) years, and postintubation tracheal stenosis was the most common etiology. There were highly significant associations between stent colonization with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the occurrence of airway granulation (P<.02), and these microorganisms were independently associated with the risk of developing airway granulation. Furthermore, S aureus was associated with persistence of airway granulation on average 4 months following removal of the stent. CONCLUSIONS: Airway granulation seems to be associated not with polymicrobial airway colonization but with infection with specific pathogenic microorganisms. All patients undergoing laryngotracheoplasty should receive antibiotic prophylaxis to cover these microorganisms, and the development and use of antibiotic-impregnated airway stents should be explored.