Laryngotracheal Reconstruction / Laryngotracheoplasty
Laryngotracheal reconstruction, also known as laryngotracheoplasty, is a single stage or double stage surgical procedure performed to correct a stenosed, or narrowed airway. Airway stenosis comes in two main categories: congenital and acquired.
Congenital airway stenosis, the least common, is a condition in which the child is simply born with a narrowed airway.
Acquired airway stenosis has an environmental or man-made component. External trauma to the airway, such as a clothesline or motor vehicle accident, is the least common cause of acquired airway stenosis.
Thermal or chemical airway burns is another cause of airway stenosis. The most common form of airway stenosis, ironically, is the result of life saving prolonged endotracheal intubation.
Some children, especially those born prematurely, rely on endotracheal intubation as their only means of respiration.
Methods to Repair the Stenotic Airway
There are several methods available for repair of the stenotic airway:
- Split with placement of a stent (plastic tube) to temporarily support the healing airway
- Split with placement of a rib graft to expand the airway
- Resection (removal) of the stenotic airway segment
Each of these procedures has variations. The exact procedure depends on each child's individual need.
New Airway Patient Referral Line
The Division of Otolaryngology now offers a New Airway Patient Referral Line. Please call us at 513-636-6711.
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