Subglottic stenosis after prolonged intubation: case report and management

Subglottic stenosis represents abnormal narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords, most
commonly resulting from prolonged endotracheal intubation. This condition can cause significant
respiratory difficulties and requires timely recognition and treatment. This paper presents a clinical case
of a young patient with subglottic stenosis and discusses the selection of an appropriate treatment
method.
We report the case of a 23-year-old patient with a history of prolonged intubation and
tracheostomy. The patient underwent endoscopic evaluation, followed by CO₂ laser therapy combined
with airway dilation. Surgical treatment with CO₂ laser resection and dilation resulted in significant
improvement of respiratory symptoms and airway patency. The patient recovered successfully and
continued with regular postoperative follow-up without complications.
Subglottic stenosis is a frequent complication after prolonged intubation and requires early
recognition. Endoscopic CO₂ laser therapy combined with dilation represents an effective treatment
method. Early detection, appropriate treatment selection, and long-term follow-up are crucial for a
successful outcome.
Keywords: subglottic stenosis, intubation, CO₂ laser, dilation, tracheostomy.