Efficacy of Endoscopic Interventions for Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisThe Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology· Jul 2026

Efficacy of Endoscopic Interventions for Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abdulsalam Alqutub, Ahmed Mogharbel, Mohammed A Awadh … Talal Al-Khatib

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GastroenterologyMeta-analysisQ2IF 1.5

Endoscopic treatment of adult subglottic stenosis succeeds in about three-quarters of patients.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Interventions for Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abdulsalam Alqutub … Talal Al-Khatib

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology · Jul 2026 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

Subglottic stenosis (subglottic stenosis) is a challenging clinical condition with several endoscopic treatments available.

Purpose

This systematic review aims to update the evidence on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic procedures for managing subglottic stenosis in adult patients.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across 4 databases, covering studies from inception to August 2024.

n = 3091 patients

Results

Share of adults whose subglottic stenosis was successfully treated with endoscopy.

93.8%

YAG laser

76.8%

CO2 laser

66.8%

Balloon dilatation

More results

Balloon dilatation exhibited a success rate of 66.8%.

The recurrence rate across all endoscopic interventions was 60.5%, with specific procedures, such as balloon dilatation, showing a higher recurrence rate of 68.4%.

More results

The overall rate of requiring open surgery was 7%, and the overall decannulation rate after tracheostomy was 60.1%, with balloon dilation showing the highest rate of successful decannulation among (82.8%).

The overall complication rate was 5%.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Endoscopic management of adult subglottic stenosis yields variable success with high recurrence rates. Heterogeneity across studies limits interpretation, and comparative conclusions cannot be drawn.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Future studies should standardize outcome definitions, disease severity reporting, and follow-up duration to guide evidence-based practice.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Interventions for Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Interventions for Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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