[Laminotomy after Réthi. Report of treatment of 8 stenoses and 3 atresias of the larynx (author's transl)].

Eight stenoses and 3 atresias of the larynx were treated by laminotomy after Réthi. The commonest indication was a perichondritis stenosis of the cricoid after prolonged intubation. Stenosis of the cricoid followed subactue laryngitis in two cases. The arytenoids were also ankylosed in 5 cases requiring a further procedure to widen the glottis. The operation may also be used as an additional procedure in selected cases of supraglottic and glottic stenosis. The operation has also proved useful in stenoses and atresias of the laryngo-tracheal junction area. Nearly all cases require an obturator keel for 3-6 months. This is removed endoscopically in cases of closed treatment, while a plastic closure of the laryngotracheal lumen is necessary after open operations. The respiratory function was restored satisfactorily in all but one patient, who developed perichondritis of the thyroid cartilage. The quality of the voice depends on the mobility of the vocal process of the arytenoids.