What is a Single Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Surgery (SSLTR)

Single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) is a surgery done to make the airway larger by placing a graft in the area that is narrowed. Most grafts are made of ear cartilage, thyroid cartilage or rib cartilage.

About the Surgery

The main surgery is followed by a series of scopes (microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy) in the operating room to check the airway for healing.

Cristian will come out during the surgery and the hole (or stoma) will be closed.

There will be a cut in the neck where the surgery was done. A small drain will be in the neck to allow fluid and air to drain after the surgery. There will be a small cut on the chest and a drain will be in place after the surgery. The ENT doctor will decide how long the drains will remain in place.

A breathing tube will be in place through the nose after the surgery. The breathing tube holds the airway and graft in place while it heals so it does not shrink back down. The ENT doctor will decide how long the breathing tube needs to stay in place.

After Surgery

Cristian will be cared for and closely watched in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. The ICU doctors will closely monitor Cristian while the ENT doctors will watch the airway. We were told around 1 week in the ICU and fully asleep.

He will be inpatient for some time to be closely monitored.