ABSTRACT
Over the past four decades, the presentation and management of paediatric laryngeal stenosis have changed significantly. A child with laryngeal stenosis may present with stridor, extubation failure or tracheotomy dependency. Prior to endoscopy, soft-tissue airway films of the neck and chest should be performed in both lateral and anterior/posterior projections. These are useful in evaluating laryngeal stenosis and may also give timely warning of a possible tracheal stenosis. In a child with an unsafe or unstable airway in whom laryngotracheal reconstruction is not immediately advisable, temporary placement of a tracheotomy tube is advisable to secure an adequate airway until laryngeal reconstruction can be performed. The success of Cricotracheal resection (CTR) in infants and children has been documented in large series of patients in three separate centers. The results reported are superior to those of the laryngotracheal reconstruction procedures for similar indications and stenosis grades.
