Objectives: (1) To describe outcomes from and modifications to the hybrid laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) technique and (2) to compare this technique to traditional single- and double-stage LTR (ssLTR/dsLTR).
Study design: Chart review with case series.
Setting: Tertiary care otolaryngology specialty hospital.
Subjects: All patients under 18 years of age who underwent LTR by a single surgeon from July 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013.
Methods: Charts were assessed for age, gender, etiology of stenosis, type of reconstruction, comorbidities, length of stay, complications, and tracheostomy status. Analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum analysis.
Results: Forty-four patients were identified, with 13 hybrid LTRs, 27 ssLTRs, and 4 dsLTRs. Of the hybrid LTRs, an overall decannulation rate of 76.9% was noted, comparable to those for dsLTR. The hybrid LTR technique offered a significantly shorter period of narcotic use when compared to ssLTR (median 15 vs 21 days, P<.01). No patients in the hybrid LTR group developed supraglottic granulation tissue. There was no statistically significant difference in median length of stay for ssLTRs, dsLTRs, and hybrid LTRs (P=.38).
Conclusion: The hybrid LTR technique is well tolerated and useful in patients of all ages. Narcotics can be weaned more quickly due to the presence of a secure airway at all times via the existing tracheostomy. Use of a long stent prevents formation of granulation tissue that may be seen with a suprastomal stent. This technique should be considered in patients with high-grade stenosis with a preexisting tracheostomy.
Keywords: LTR; hybrid LTR; laryngotracheal reconstruction; subglottic stenosis.
© American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015.