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.