Abstract

Recently, laryngotracheal stenosis caused by endotracheal intubation and laryngeal injuries has increased. We encountered three cases of laryngotracheal stenosis which success fully treated with a silicone T-tube. A 26-year-old male had been treated with intubation of a cuffed tube for 9 days, because of respiratory failure after sugery. Laryngoscopic examination showed circumscribed stenosis in the subglottis. 3 tracheal rings resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis were performed. The posterior wall of the cricoid cartilage was necrosed. 5 months later, however, fiberscopic findings showed a posteriorly based web in the suture ends, which was treated with a silicone T-tube for a period of 8 weeks. A 63-year-old male struck his neck with an iron pipe. At an operative findings, the cricoid cartilage showed depressed fracture, which was reduced and a mucous membrane graft was placed. After 1 month of operarion, fiberscopic findings showed the subglottic granuloma, which was treated with a silicone T-tube for a period of 6 weeks. A 6-year-old girl had been treated with intubation of a cuffed tube for 6 days, because of abdominal trauma. Fiberscopic examination showed circumscribed stenosis in the subglottis, which was treated with a silicone T-tube for a period of 3 weeks. After the extubation, however, slight stridor on exertion was noticed. A silicone T-tube was further inserted for 8 weeks. All cases are able to breathe and phonate almost normally without dyspnea after the extubation. Based on our experience, we considerated that the period of T-tube intubation for 4-8 weeks was a standard of this therapy.