CO2 laser repair of subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis.

This study uses seven large adult canines. Microendoscopic forceps and electrocautery excisions of subglottic and upper tracheal mucosa, perichondrium, and cartilage results in stenoses in all animals. Four partial lesions are created in the upper trachea, and three complete stenoses occur in the subglottic region. Five of the animals require permanent tracheostomy. Three months later six animals have excisions with the CO2 laser, and one animal with upper tracheal stenosis is a control. After three months follow-up, two of the canines with upper tracheal stenosis show a slightly improved airway and one remains the same as preexcision. All three animals with subglottic lesions redevelop complete stenosis.