Objective: We report the case of a 32-years-old woman suffering from relapsing polychondritis in a laryngeal localization leading to dyspnea due to stenosis or collapse.
Methods: Incomplete efficiency of medical treatment required endoscopic insertion of a laryngotracheal silicone prosthesis (Trachobronxane ST, Novatech) which avoided tracheotomy and allowed better upper airway patency. Clinical and endoscopic follow-up was continued for several months.
Results: The prosthesis restored laryngotracheal patency and allowed moderate physical activity. The follow-up endoscopic explorations showed excellent prosthesis tolerance eight months after implantation. No deglutition problems, due to the supraglottic position of the upper extremity of the prosthesis, was noted.
Conclusion: Silicone prostheses provide an interesting alternative for the management of laryngotracheal collapse or stenosis. Withdrawal can be proposed if the disease processes is controlled.