Endoscopic Management of Benign Laryngo-Tracheal Stenosis: Balloon vs. Rigid Dilatation.

BACKGROUND Management of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is challenging and often requires recurrent procedures. OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation (BD) versus rigid dilatation (RD) in the treatment of LTS. METHODS A retrospective study of patients undergoing endoscopic intervention for LTS was performed. RESULTS The study included 69 balloon (BD) and 48 rigid dilations (RD). Most cases were grade 3 Cotton-Meyer stenosis. Mean time interval to recurrence after BD and RD were 27.9 and 19.6 weeks, respectively. Remission of over 8 weeks was achieved in 71% of BD compared to 31.2% of RD (P < 0.05). In the BD group, dilatation of subglottic stenosis showed higher rates of remission of over 8 weeks compared to upper and mid-tracheal stenosis (92% vs. 62% and 20%, respectively, P < 0.05). Complications were encountered in 4.2% of RD and 2.9% of BD. CONCLUSIONS BD and RD are effective and safe procedures. Overall, BD achieved slightly better long-term results compared to RD.