Pediatric Airway Disorders Guide

Airway reconstructions include procedures involving the area from the top of the voice box to the trachea. These fall into two main categories under airway reconstruction:

• Open airway procedures – made with a neck incision into the airway
• Endoscopic procedures (such as microscopic laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy) – done through the mouth, limiting the need for an incision in the neck

At Cincinnati Children’s, we perform airway reconstructions for children with breathing difficulties due to congenital defects or as a result of medical procedures. Candidates for airway reconstruction include:

• Children with tracheal or laryngeal problems
• Babies born prematurely with a history of intubation
• Children with conditions such as glottic stenosis, subglottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, laryngeal cleft and laryngeal atresia
• A child who has had his / her tracheotomy tube removed

We take a holistic approach to assessing and diagnosing our patients. We strive to assess all aspects of a child and individualize a treatment plan that encompasses all levels of care.

Doctors in multiple disciplines work together to determine the best course of action for your child. Your child’s needs are discussed with you and your family, leading to an integrated, customized treatment plan. We firmly believe that it’s more than just the airway reconstruction operation that gives a child a successful outcome.

The specialized team of surgeons at Cincinnati Children’s estimates to have performed more open airway reconstructions than anywhere else in the world, helping to ensure that your child will receive experienced, comprehensive and dedicated care.

Plan Your Visit: To ensure your family’s time with us is as stress-free and comfortable as possible, Cincinnati Children’s offers Concierge Services to help you plan travel details. Find out how we can help before and during your visit.

Prepare for Your Overnight Stay: Cincinnati Children’s takes many steps to make this time comfortable for your entire family. Get resources to prepare for your stay. 

Contact us for more information.

Cincinnati Children’s strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Learn more about our accepted coverage plans, including commercial insurance plans, marketplace exchange plans and Medicaid plans.

We are committed to providing healthcare for children, regardless of family income. Learn more about our financial assistance programs, and find out if you qualify. 

Prior to your child’s visit, our multidisciplinary team will meet to carefully review your child’s medical history. The team of specialists will then determine which tests need to be conducted during your child’s diagnostic procedure.

First, our specialists meet with your family, review your child’s medical history together and evaluate your child. Next, the planned diagnostic procedures are performed, but sometimes additional tests are needed before recommending a specific treatment plan. The multidisciplinary team will then meet to review the results and will meet with your family to share their findings and discuss the treatment recommendations.