Aetiopathogenesis of Laryngotracheal Stenosis: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Background. Airway stenosis is a technically challenging pathology to deal with. Various aetiologies can lead to the stenosis; however, trauma, mostly related to intubation, is the commonest so far. This study retrospectively evaluates various aetiological factors resulting in airway stenosis and the associated patient-related factors. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the common patient-related factors, aetiology, site, and mode of presentation of airway stenosis and to evaluate the duration of intubation resulting in airway stenosis. Materials and methods. This was a retrospective study carried out at the Department of ENT-HNS, Institute of Medicine, Nepal. Record files from January 2014 to January 2019 of all cases with endoscopic diagnosis of airway stenosis were evaluated. Demographic data, site, severity, aetiology, time, and mode of presentation were noted. The severity of stenosis was graded based on Cotton–Meyer (CM) classification. Results. A total of 33 cases were included in the study. The trachea and the subglottis were the frequent sites to be involved. Intubation-related trauma was the commonest aetiology with a shortest duration of intubation of only 4 days resulting in development of the stenosis. The other aetiologies were congenital, trauma, inflammation, and idiopathic. Conclusion. Trauma, mostly related to intubation, is still the commonest cause for the development of airway stenosis. Along with the duration of intubation, there are several other factors that can affect the development of stenosis. A prospective study with a large population is required to draw a definite conclusion.