Management of laryngo/tracheal stenosis— Reconstruction with epiglottic mucoperichondrial flap

Conclusion

More emphasis should be given to the prevention of laryngotracheal stenosis. Blunt or crushing injuries to the larynx must be immediately and accurately evaluated. Marked airway obstruction, exposed cartilage in the laryngeal lumen, significant subcutaneous emphysema or fracture of the cricoid cartilage necessitates an open exploration as promptly as practicable. Primary closure of the mucosal tears, reposition of displaced fractured cartilages and internal splinting and proper positioning of the tracheostomy will prevent the occurrence of laryngeal stenosis. In case the stenosis has occurred, we feel reconstruction by epiglottic mucoperichondrial flap with hyoid sternohyoid pedicle graft will give good results. This procedure is one more step towards the goal of success in treating the laryngotracheal stenosis though the final answer is yet to be told.