Subglottic and glottic stenosis — narrowing of the airway at or just below the vocal cords — can result from prolonged intubation, trauma, prior surgery, inflammatory conditions, or idiopathic causes. When the narrowing is significant enough to compromise breathing or voice, surgical dilation or resection is required.
Microlaryngoscopy for stenosis typically involves laser incision (CO2 or KTP) combined with dilation, sometimes with steroid injection into the scar tissue to reduce recurrence. In more severe cases, open surgical reconstruction may be necessary. Office-based steroid injections are a less invasive option for early or mild stenosis and can sometimes forestall or reduce the extent of surgical intervention required.
For general information about what to expect with microlaryngoscopy, anesthesia, and recovery, see the Surgical Microlaryngoscopy overview.