Idiopathic Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis A Survey of the Patient Experience

Objectives:To report and compare patients’ experiences with acquired subglottic stenosis (AS) versus idiopathic subglottic and tracheal stenosis (ISTS).Methods:A survey was made available to patients with AS and ISTS. Results were analyzed for inter- and intragroup differences using a 2-tailed t test.Results:The study included 160 survey participants (AS n = 28; ISTS n = 132), with a predominance of female participants (82% AS, 98% ISTS). Acid reflux was the most prevalent comorbidity across groups (42%-43%). A significant difference in time to diagnosis was found between groups, with 32% of AS patients diagnosed within 3 months of symptom onset, compared to 2% with ISTS. A diagnosis delay greater than 18 months occurred for 58% of ISTS patients. There was no difference in treatment approach, with the most common treatment being balloon dilation, followed by laser dilation. Tracheal resection was performed in 36% of patients in both groups. Patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes was significantly hig...