The effects of balloon dilation laryngoplasty in children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of performing balloon dilation laryngoplasty of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children with underlying congenital heart disease (CHD).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic health center.

PATIENTS

Children with an underlying diagnosis of CHD who subsequently underwent balloon dilation laryngoplasty for SGS from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2011.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical improvement and avoidance of tracheotomy.

RESULTS

We identified 16 children who had a diagnosis of CHD and underwent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Five patients (3 girls and 2 boys) underwent a total of 11 balloon dilations for SGS. Their ages at initial dilation ranged from 1 to 4 months. All 5 patients had grade III SGS. Only 1 patient required a salvage tracheotomy for a thick glottic web and associated SGS after her first balloon dilation failed to improve airway patency. The remaining 4 patients have had long-term success in avoiding tracheotomy with symptomatic improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon dilation represents a valuable treatment option in patients with CHD and SGS in whom a tracheostomy should be avoided.