1993 Volume 86 Issue 4 Pages 559-565
The management of chronic stenosis of the larynx continues to be a difficult problem. We report favorable results using hydroxyl apatite in the successful management of a case of chronic laryngeal stenosis.
A 17-year-old male sustained a traffic accident requiring lifesaving tracheostomy. Decanulation was not successfully achieved because of paralysis in both vocal cords. This patient underwent insertion of a silicone T-tube following lateralization of arytenoid cartilage initially, then insertion of a silicone T-tube followed by right cordectomy. The stents were removed after one and two months, respectively, and he subsequently developed laryngeal stenosis. He then underwent laryngeal reconstruction using hydroxyl apatite. A plate of hydroxyl apatite was interposed between the thyroid cartilage, and a silicone T-tube was inserted. There was no foreign body reaction or infection. The silicone T-tube was removed after 3 months and his airway was adequate for breathing without need for a tracheostomy.
Reconstructing the laryngeal framework and inserting a silicone T-tube for laryngeal stenosis are important. Hydroxyl apatite is safe and effective for use in the reconstruction of the larynx.