OBJECTIVETo study the effect of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in children with subglottic stenosis (SGS), and to discuss the indications and the risks of intraoperative and postoperative treatment of LTR.

METHODSFrom September 2008 to February 2010, 5 children (4 girls and 1 boy, aged 4 to 6 years) were treated by LTR. Among the 5 children, there were 2 congenital SGS and 3 acquired SGS. One had mild grade III SGS, 3 had severe grade III SGS, and one had grade IV SGS. One child with mild III SGS was treated by single-stage LTR, and the rest four children were treated by double-stage LTR. The surgical technique consisted of cricoid lamina midline vertical incision, rib cartilage graft interposition and endotracheal tube (ETT) stenting for 2 to 3 weeks.

RESULTSFour children with grade III SGS were de-cannulated 3 months after operation, and the child with grade IV SGS got de-cannulated 6 months after operation. Of all children, rib cartilage graft grower well, and the size of subglottis were amplified by grade III SGS to grade I SGS, and grade IV SGS to grade II SGS. All children obtained stable airway. One child with grade IV SGS who had hoarseness got effective phonation during follow-up 2 years after operation.

CONCLUSIONSLTR is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric subglottic stenosis. The important factors of successful operation are correct assessment and evaluation of the severity and overall medical status and selection of suitable surgical techniques.