Management of Subglottic Stenosis and Subglottic Stenosis in Systemic Disease
摘要
Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a challenging therapeutic problem for the interventional pulmonologist. Depending on the etiology it can be classified as congenital or acquired. Acquired causes are often due to iatrogenic injury but can also result from tumors, infections, and rare diseases such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, relapsing polychondritis, and amyloidosis. Flexible bronchoscopy is essential for the diagnostic and pre-interventional evaluation of these patients. Bronchoscopic procedures such as radial incisions, dilation, local adjuvant drugs, and airway stents have been used alone or in combination to treat SGS. Endoscopic treatment has a high success rate for simple stenoses and is a valid option for patients who are unsuitable candidates for surgery. Complex stenoses often require a multidisciplinary approach. There is no universally accepted treatment strategy that will consistently relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence in all patients. Treatment must be individualized according to the pathological findings and the patient’s health status. Current minimally invasive techniques performed wisely and proficiently allow the interventional pulmonologist to restore airway patency and improve the quality of life of patients with SGS.