Assessment and management of laryngotracheal stenosis

The diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis should be suspected in children with recurrent, prolonged, or atypical croup; a history of endotracheal intubation; or a history of strider, feeding difficulties, and failure to thrive. Only half of children with congenital laryngotracheal stenosis require tracheotomy, and many of these children are eventually decannulated without the need for surgical therapy. Ln contrast, tracheotomy-dependent patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis should be referred for surgical evaluation to provide them with the earliest opportunity to develop normal oral communication.