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Anterior cricoid split: The chicago experience with an alternative to tracheotomy
Author(s) -
Holinger Lauren D.,
Stankiewicz James A.,
Livingston Gary L.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198701000-00007
Subject(s) - tracheotomy , medicine , surgery , cricoid cartilage , histopathology , subglottis , larynx , glottis , pathology
Twenty‐six infants and children underwent anterior cricoid split (ACS) in an attempt to avoid tracheotomy. Twenty (77%) were extubated successfully without tracheotomy; six (23%) failed and required tracheotomy. Our experience corroborates that reported in the literature. To date, 106 (77%) of 138 patients who have undergone ACS have been extubated successfully without tracheotomy. These results substantiate the validity of the operation when done for the proper indications. Substantive glottic and tracheal pathology indicate a high likelihood of failure of ACS. It is not clear precisely why the ACS is effective. Subglottic cysts are a factor in some cases. The histopathology of one such case is presented and the implications discussed.