STENOSIS OF THE LARYNX OF LIMITED EXTENT: Simplified Treatment

Abstract

A RECENT article extols the use of acrylic obturators in conjunction with tracheostomy or laryngostomy in the treatment of laryngeal or tracheal stenosis.¹ Experience in the case reported in this paper confirms observations in that article. It also shows that tracheostomy and laryngostomy may be unnecessary in cases in which stenosis is limited in extent. Wounds from shrapnel or other war injuries may cause webs and other forms of limited stenosis which will respond to the simplified procedure described. Successful epithelization under a properly prepared splint can be expected to take place and reformation of obstructing bands prevented. It is probable that the decrease in manipulation of tissues in this method minimized the incidence of chondritis and other complications from infection. REPORT OF A CASE A 22 year old pilot stumbled on a foot locker on the night of June 10, 1945 and, falling in the dark, struck the front