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Idiopathic subglottic stenosis has become one of the most common indications for tracheal resection and reconstruction. This type of stenosis almost exclusively involves women.
The area of involvement is just below the voice box (glottis) in an area called the subglottic larynx.
Treatment of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Methods of single-stage resection and reconstruction have been developed for this unusual problem with approximately a 95% success rate.
This single-stage procedure avoids the need for prolonged dilations, laserings, or other interventions, such as tracheostomies (creating a surgical opening in the trachea).
This complex, delicate, single-stage operation cures the vast majority of patients and preserves both the voice and airway in these otherwise healthy patients. We have operated on over 100 patients at this point with this unusual condition.
Causes of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
No known cause has been identified for this unusual problem that involves almost exclusively women. Connective tissue disorders, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, relapsing polychondritis, and other unusual entities must be excluded before a surgical resection can be undertaken.
-- Douglas J. Mathisen, M.D.
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