Obstructing tumors of the subglottic larynx and cervical trachea: airway management and treatment.

A series of 11 patients presenting with airway obstruction secondary to tumors involving the subglottic larynx and cervical trachea was treated with either carbon dioxide or neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser tumor ablation. Choice of ventilation varied according to the site of airway obstruction: Venturi jet with ventilation laryngoscope for glottic and subglottic tumors and a specially designed ventilation laser fiber tracheoscope for tumors obstructing the cervical trachea. All patients subsequently had definitive treatment of the tumor and were relieved of the compromised airway. No complications associated with ventilation and treatment techniques were recorded.