Intralesional steroids in conservative management of subglottic stenosis of the larynx.

Subglottic stenosis after prolonged endotracheal intubation is a well recognised complication, especially with the advent of intensive resuscitative techniques. Although prevention is the best cure, once the management has been established it should be conservative in the first instance, especially in the case of children. The successful treatment of four cases with this complication is reported. The treatment consisted of intralesional injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide Aqueous Suspension (Kenacort A), dilatation with gum elastic bougies, bronchoscopy and very limited surgical correction in one case. A brief reference is made to the etiological factors and to the mechanism of action of steroids in scar tissue.