Deciphering supraglottic stenosis

Abstract

Introduction: Adult isolated supraglottic stenosis is rare in its presentation and management is often challenging. There are various etiologies of the condition which make standardization of treatment difficult. We present a series of isolated supraglottic stenosis of different etiologies managed successfully by an endoscopic approach using Coblation. Case description: Five patients presented with isolated supraglottic stenosis. The supraglottic airway showed significant stenosis and cicatrical scars severely limiting the airway extending from the epiglottic level up to the false cords sparing the arytenoids. Coblation laryngeal and microlaryngeal wands were used to ablate the stenosed segments. Stent was placed in three of the patients for six weeks. There were no significant intra-operative or post-operative complications encountered. All patients were relieved of their presenting symptoms and none of them had any evidence of restenosis even after 12 months following the procedure. Conclusion: Isolated supraglottic stenosis, even though scarce in literature poses significant challenges in its management. Coblation is an effective treatment option with good success rate and requiring fewer interventions.

Keywords

• Coblation
• Endoscopic repair
• Isolated stenosis
• Laryngology
• Supraglottic stenosis