title: Balloon dilation of the pediatric airway: potential for disaster.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to report on a serious adverse event during balloon dilation of pediatric subglottic stenosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a case report on safety and risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Airway balloon dilation risk and consideration of serious complications were re-evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Airway balloon dilation carries the risk of acute and complete airway obstruction by the development and persistence of subglottic edema. The surgeon has to be aware of the risk and be ready to intervene. Guidelines and precautions outlined for use of balloons should be carefully observed.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Louisiana Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA. entforkids@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gungor
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D014140:Tracheotomy