[Elective coniotomy. Experiences with 103 personal cases].

The view held for the last 60 years that coniotomy often leads to subglottic stenosis has recently been called into question. In the present study 103 elective coniotomies are analysed. The operation was much easier than tracheotomy, and there were no severe complications during or after operation. Six months after decannulation 31 patients were alive and 28 available for follow-up examination. No evidence of subglottic stenosis was found. The main disadvantage of this operation would seem to be a tendency for the development of voice changes.