Cricotracheal resection with hilar release for pediatric airway stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of cricotracheal resection and hilar release for high-grade, long-segment airway stenosis.


METHODS
We identified 16 patients who underwent cricotracheal resection and hilar release, performed from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008, and conducted a retrospective review, emphasizing preoperative findings, operative technique, postoperative course, and results. Complete data sets were available for all patients.


METHODS
Tertiary care children's hospital.


METHODS
The study population comprised 16 patients younger than 18 years who underwent cricotracheal resection and hilar release performed by a thoracic airway team. All patients had high-grade, long-segment subglottic stenosis or severe, long-segment tracheomalacia.


METHODS
Cricotracheal resection with hilar release.


METHODS
Decannulation rate and dehiscence rate.


RESULTS
Of the 16 patients, 15 were successfully decannulated. The one patient who was not decannulated remained ventilator dependent and has regained speech. There were no incidents of anastomotic dehiscence.


CONCLUSIONS
Cricotracheal resection with hilar release is a novel and effective way to approach the problem of severe airway stenosis.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109-0241, USA.
Joseph C
JC
Taylor
Ryan M
RM
Collar
Kevin F
KF
Wilson
Richard G
RG
Ohye
Glenn E
GE
Green
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D055090:Tracheomalacia / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome