Microscopic examination of iatrogenic subglottic tracheal stenosis: Observations that may elucidate its histopathologic origin

Objectives:The histopathologic origin of iatrogenic subglottic tracheal stenosis (ISTS) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to use detailed operative microscopy to systematically examine the operative en bloc specimens of patients with ISTS and to observe the histologic and morphological changes in the hopes that these observations will provide insight into the histopathologic origin of these devastating injuries.Methods:The operative specimens of 18 patients who underwent open tracheal or laryngotracheal resection for ISTS were examined. Precise morphological characteristics were investigated for each tissue layer, including the adventitia, the outer surface of the perichondrium, the cartilage, the inner surface of the perichondrium, the submucosa, and the mucosa. Each tissue layer was evaluated independently and in relationship to the other layers. The cartilaginous airway was further evaluated relative to the pars membranacea.Results:The most common morphological finding in the epithelium wa...