Delivery of care for pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis

INTRODUCTION: Management of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis remains a complex and multidisciplinary process, with implications of surgery that extend far beyond the operating room. Ideal care for pediatric patients undergoing complex airway reconstruction requires a holistic approach that includes attention to patient and caregiver needs, quality of life measures, and the optimization of secondary outcomes of surgery, such as voicing and swallowing. AREAS COVERED: This special report highlights the impact of non-surgical and secondary outcomes of complex airway reconstruction in pediatric patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. Articles queried from PubMed are reviewed in this report, with special attention to literature that focuses on quality-of-life metrics after pediatric airway reconstruction and that which examines post-operative dysphonia and dysphagia in this population. Additional insight and data from a high-volume pediatric airway reconstructive center are included in this discussion. EXPERT OPINION: Comprehensive care of a pediatric patient with laryngotracheal stenosis extends beyond surgery and involves multidisciplinary management of long-term sequelae to truly improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.