title: Laryngotracheal reconstruction with resorbable microplate buttressing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In patients undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR), malacic segments of trachea can pose challenges to successful reconstruction. Malacic segments may inadequately support cartilage grafts used in augmentation surgery, sometimes requiring cricotracheal or tracheal resections. We describe a novel technique of LTR with resorbable microplate buttressing of malacic lateral tracheal segments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of technique, treatment outcomes, and complications of seven children with subglottic stenosis and tracheomalacia requiring a microplate-augmented LTR technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven infants ranging from 26 months to 9 years of age successfully underwent LTR for subglottic stenosis. Six children had a grade III subglottic stenosis. The seventh child had grade II subglottic stenosis, bilateral vocal fold paralysis, an elliptical cricoid, and an obstructing giant suprastomal fibroma. Five children underwent a double-stage LTR with resorbable microplates sutured bilaterally to support severely malacic lateral tracheal segments. A cricotracheal resection would not have been feasible in one child due to the resection length and inadequate tracheal mobilization. Two children underwent a single-stage LTR with unilateral application of a microplate. Six children were decannulated within 3 months and continue without airway symptoms or complications. One child, who is just over 2 months from reconstructive surgery, is being setup for decannulation. No complications were encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LTR with resorbable microplate buttressing of malacic lateral tracheal segments is technically feasible, safe, and can avoid more extensive surgery requiring tracheal resection. Further experience may support the use of this technique in challenging airway reconstructions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Luv R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Javia
authors.forename: Karen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Zur
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome