Anterior cricoid split is performed for grade 2 and 3 subglottic stenosis, which can be a cause of extubation failure. It can be performed endoscopically or as an open procedure. This paper describes a case series of endoscopic cricoid split procedures performed using a bespoke sickle knife.

Nine patients (six pre-term infants) underwent endoscopic cricoid split in a tertiary referral paediatric unit between August 2012 and March 2015.

Six patients (67 per cent; four pre-term and two term infants) were on oxygen pre-operatively. Mean age at operation was 30 weeks (range, 11–104 weeks). Mean number of days’ intubation was 5.6 days (range, 4–9 days). All five patients intubated pre-operatively were extubated. Seven patients required repeat dilatations. One patient required tracheostomy.

The extubation rates for endoscopic cricoid split are comparable to the open procedure. It is a safe and efficient method for managing subglottic stenosis, whether acquired or congenital. The main advantage is the shorter operative time, in addition to the avoidance of an external scar and drain.

To describe our experience and provide guidelines for maximum safe balloon sizes according to age in children undergoing balloon dilatation.

A retrospective review was conducted of children undergoing balloon dilatation for subglottic stenosis in a paediatric tertiary unit between May 2006 and February 2016.

A total of 166 patients underwent balloon dilatation. Mean ( ± standard deviation) patient age was 4.5 ± 3.99 years. The median balloon size was 8 mm, the median balloon inflation pressure was 10 atm, and the mean balloon inflation time was 65.1 ± 18.6 seconds. No significant unexpected events occurred. The Pearson correlation co-efficient for the relationship between patient age and balloon size was 0.85 (p = 0.001), suggesting a strongly positive correlation.

This study demonstrated that balloon dilatation is a safe procedure for airway stenosis. The results suggest using a balloon diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of the age-appropriate endotracheal tube +1 mm for the larynx and subglottis and +2 mm for the trachea.

To review the aetiology, investigation, diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcome of children with recurrent croup.

Retrospective case note review of all children with recurrent croup referred to the otolaryngology service at our hospital from November 2002 to March 2011.

Ninety children with recurrent croup were identified. Twenty-five children (28 per cent) had anatomical airway abnormalities, of which 16 (18 per cent) demonstrated degrees of subglottic stenosis. Twenty-three children (26 per cent) had positive microlaryngobronchoscopy findings suggestive of reflux. Eleven children were treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease, 10 (91 per cent) of whom responded well to anti-reflux medication (p = 0.006). No cause was identified for 41 (45 per cent) of the children; this was the group most likely to continue having episodes of croup at follow up. One death occurred in this group.

Airway anomalies are common in children that present with recurrent croup. Laryngobronchoscopy allows identification of the cause of croup and enables a more accurate prognosis. In the current study, laryngobronchoscopy findings that indicated reflux were predictive of benefit from anti-reflux medications, whereas the clinical presentation of reflux was not. Routine measurement of immunoglobulin E and complement proteins did not appear to be helpful.