Acquired laryngeal stenosis in infants and children treated by laryngofissure and stenting.

Thirty young patients with acquired laryngeal stenosis were treated by means of a laryngofissure and stenting. The age distribution suggested two subgroups: infants aged 0-2 years (n = 24), and children aged 6-16 years (n = 6). The causes of the stenosis and the treatment results were different in these subgroups. Treatment resulted in successful decannulation in 22 of 24 infants, and in 5 of 6 children. Treatment included a re-operation in two patients. In 1 patient the therapy failed, and 2 patients died after fatal complications. Decannulation rate, duration of the tracheotomy, and the number of re-operations compare favorably to the results of other centers. The longer duration of stenting, and the high mortality rate may be considered disadvantages.