Endoscopic Management of Severe Supraglottic and Posterior Glottic Stenosis Due to Chemotherapy and Radiation

Combined posterior and supraglottic stenosis (CS) often presents as debilitating dysphonia or dyspnea, secondary to blunt trauma or traumatic intubation. However, CS has proven to be a late complication of chemoradiation therapy. Traditional treatment of combined posterior and supraglottic stenosis (CS) secondary to chemoradiation has been frequently complicated by poor tissue healing. This case study illustrates a novel endoscopic surgical technique employing a large laterally-based flap as a posterior glottic keel by rotating it anteroinferiorly and suturing it in place. As a result of the procedure, the bilateral vocal folds, which were midline and immobile preoperatively, regained normal motion. The supraglottic airway was also restored. Successful endoscopic treatment of CS with bilateral vocal fold immobility is possible using a large laterally-based flap, even in the face of tissue changes secondary to chemoradiation.