Laryngotracheal reconstruction

Laryngotracheal (luh-ring-go-TRAY-key-ul) reconstruction surgery widens your windpipe (trachea) to make breathing easier. Laryngotracheal reconstruction involves inserting a small piece of cartilage — stiff connective tissue found in many areas of your body — into the narrowed section of the windpipe to make it wider.

The primary goal of laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery is to establish a permanent, stable airway for you or your child to breathe through without the use of a breathing tube. Surgery can also improve voice and swallowing issues. Reasons for this surgery include: Narrowing of the airway (stenosis). Stenosis may be caused by infection, disease or injury, but it's most often due to irritation related to breathing tube insertion (endotracheal intubation) in infants born with congenital conditions or born prematurely or as a result of a medical procedure. Stenosis can involve the vocal cords (glottic stenosis), the windpipe just below the vocal cords (subglottic stenosis), or the main part of the windpipe (tracheal stenosis). Malformation of the voice box (larynx). Rarely, the larynx may be incompletely developed at birth (laryngeal cleft) or constricted by abnormal tissue growth (laryngeal web), which may be present at birth or a result of scarring from a medical procedure or infection. Weak cartilage (tracheomalacia). This condition occurs when an infant's soft, immature cartilage lacks the stiffness to maintain a clear airway, making it difficult for your child to breathe. Vocal cord paralysis. Also known as vocal fold paralysis, this voice disorder occurs when one or both of the vocal cords don't open or close properly, leaving the trachea and lungs unprotected. In some cases where the vocal cords don't open properly, they can obstruct the airway and make breathing difficult. This problem can be caused by injury, disease, infection, previous surgery or stroke. In many cases, the cause is unknown.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction is a surgical procedure that carries a risk of side effects, including: Infection. Infection at the surgical site is a risk of all surgeries. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice redness, swelling or discharge from an incision or record a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The partial or complete flattening (collapse) of one or both lungs can result if the lung's outer lining or membrane (pleura) is injured during surgery. This is an uncommon complication. Endotracheal tube or stent displacement. During surgery, an endotracheal tube or stent may be put in place to ensure a stable airway while healing takes place. If the endotracheal tube or stent becomes dislodged, complications may arise, such as infection, collapsed lung or subcutaneous emphysema — a condition that occurs when air leaks into chest or neck tissue. Voice and swallowing difficulties. You or your child may experience a sore throat or a raspy or breathy voice after the endotracheal tube is removed or as a result of the surgery itself. Speech and language specialists can help manage speaking and swallowing problems post-surgery. Anesthesia side effects. Common side effects of anesthesia include sore throat, shivering, sleepiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. These effects are usually short-lived, but could continue for several days.