Treatment of subglottic stenosis: results and factors influencing treatment success

Czech version

Authors: Monika Debnárová ¹ ; Pavel Komínek ^1,2 ; Karol Zeleník ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku, FN Ostrava ¹; Katedra kraniofaciálních oborů, Lékařská fakulta OU, Ostrava ²
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 74, 2025, No. 3, pp. 189-194.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl2025189

Overview

Introduction: Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the airways, starting below the vocal cords and extending to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage. It can be a serious or life-threatening condition, with a risk of suffocation. Tracheostomy is often necessary with all the negative consequences that result from it. The most common cause of subglottic stenosis is previous intubation or tracheotomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the success of surgical treatment of patients with subglottic stenosis and to identify the risk factors affecting the success of treatment. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosed symptomatic subglottic stenosis who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Ostrava University Hospital in 2013–2022. Data were obtained from the hospital information system and then were statistically processed. Treatment was considered successful if it allowed the patient to decannulate or if breathing improved. Results: Out of the total number of 65 patients, treatment was successful in 54/65 (83%). Out of the 30 patients with a tracheotomy cannula, 20/30 patients (67%) could be decannulated. Of all the monitored parameters, only a higher BMI had a statistically significant negative impact on the outcome of treatment (P = 0.003). Success of treatment was not significantly affected by the type and severity of stenosis, the presence of tracheomalacia, Covid-19 infection, or the selected therapy. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of subglottic stenosis was successful in 83% of the patients. Obesity is a negative prognostic factor in terms of treatment success.

Keywords:

obesity – endoscopic treatment – treatment outcomes – tracheal resection – subglottic stenosis – cricotracheal resection

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