Management of laryngotracheal stenosis – Still remains a challenge for successful outcome

Management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is still an enigma and remains a challenge even for an expert surgical team. The treatment of LTS is quite difficult and often associated with significant risk and complications. Even with the availability of many surgical options, proper selection of surgical technique in each clinical situation is the key behind successful outcome. Selection of appropriate surgical repair depends on the site of stenotic segment, severity, duration, and cause of functional impairment. It requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and planning. No single approach is ideal and often several techniques may be needed before decannulation can be achieved. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the pathophysiology, pre-operative evaluation, surgical principle, surgical technique, graft materials in reconstruction and prevention of LTS and optimum stress given on different suitability of surgical techniques with application of suitable one in relation to site of stenosis and other stenosis parameters.