A comparative analysis of open surgery vs endoscopic balloon dilation for pediatric subglottic stenosis.

Importance: Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are an appealing alternative to open surgical management of pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS), but more information is needed to understand the comparative risks, benefits, and limitations of such interventions.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) in pediatric patients with SGS and to identify patient and disease factors that are associated with successful EBD.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A retrospective medical record review of children undergoing EBD and LTP for SGS in a tertiary care children's hospital from 2006 through 2012.