FNA is a reliable method of preoperatively assessing both benign and malignant salivary gland lesions. Preoperative imaging has a lower sensitivity and specificity than FNA in differentiating malignant from benign tumors. Older age, pain, and facial paralysis are clinical features independently associated with malignancy.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To confirm and extend reported successful treatment of posterior glottic stenosis in pediatric patients using endoscopic laser division of the posterior cricoid plate with augmentation using costal cartilage.Study Design: A retrospective chart review and case series. Methods: Medical records were examined to determine the surgical indications, outcomes, and postoperative complications of this procedure.Results: Twelve patients underwent the procedure, six females and six males, with an average age of 7 years (range, 2-26 years). There were 8/12 (67%) patients successfully decannulated after being tracheostomy dependent. There were no consistent anatomic abnormalities or surgical findings predictive of failure to decannulate. Average hospital stay was 3.6 days (range, 2-9 days). There were no deaths or other major complications; one patient had extrusion.Conclusions: Endoscopic posterior cricoid grafting is a valuable surgical option for patients with posterior glottic stenosis. The procedure is associated with low morbidity and permits decannulation in the majority of patients.

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