Using the European Laryngological Society (ELS) Classification for laryngotracheal Stenosis (LTS) – A Multicenter Analysis

Introduction:

The ELS Classification for LTS is relating grade, length and comorbidities for upper airway stenosis. We used the classification to analyse the reliability and to find out if there are any predictive factors for the postoperative outcome.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 229 patients out of 3 international centers which were treated with cricotracheal resection (CTR). Utilizing the grade of stenosis (I-IV), subsites (a-d) and comorbidities these parameters were correlated to hospitalization, retreatments and complications.

Results:

Complications occurred more often in patients with comorbidities (54,2% vs. 38,7%, p < 0,05), with more affected subsites (47,5% vs. 27,3%, p < 0,05) and with higher grades of stenosis (47,7% and 33,3% for grade II and III, p < 0,05).

The number of retreatments (2,2 ± 1,8 vs. 0,8 ± 0,6, p < 0,01) as well as the hospitalization (12,9 ± 5,1 vs. 16,5 ± 10,3, p < 0,05) have been higher in patients with more affected subsites.

Conclusion:

The ELS classification for LTS is easy to use. It allows estimating the risk for complications, hospitalization and revisions and helps to council the patients.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)