Endoscopic KTP laser excision of severe tracheotomy-associated suprastomal collapse

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of potassium-titanium-phosphate (KTP) laser bronchoscopy for excision of severe, obstructing tracheotomy-associated suprastomal collapse. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of six children at a tertiary care children's hospital with severe tracheotomy-associated collapse of the suprastomal anterior tracheal wall cartilage, precluding decannulation. All subjects had undergone KTP laser endoscopic excision of the collapsed segment of suprastomal tracheal cartilage. Medical records were assessed for: (1) endoscopic demonstration of relief of suprastomal collapse, and (2) successful tracheotomy decannulation. RESULTS: All six patients had endoscopic evidence of relief of suprastomal airway obstruction after KTP laser therapy. Five of six (83%) subsequently underwent successful decannulation. There was one case of minimal thermal airway injury associated with a laser fire during use of the KTP laser, the effects of which were fortunately transient. CONCLUSIONS: KTP laser bronchoscopic excision of severe tracheotomy-associated suprastomal collapse: (1) is a feasible technique; (2) results in relief of suprastomal obstruction with subsequent successful decannulation in selected patients; and (3) avoids the need for more extensive open neck procedures. However, risks of KTP laser therapy are not negligible and strategies must be in place to minimize the occurrence of complications.