Best of five
- A. Age alone
- B. Length, maturity and framework involvement of the stenosis together with patient factors
- C. Voice handicap score alone
- D. Presence of reflux symptoms alone
- E. One spirometry value alone
FRCS (ORL-HNS) · SECTION 1 SBA
Adult subglottic stenosis
A patient with prior prolonged intubation has Cotton–Myer grade III subglottic stenosis and exertional stridor. Which factor most determines endoscopic versus open reconstruction?
B. Length, maturity and framework involvement of the stenosis together with patient factors
Grade alone is insufficient; a short soft web differs fundamentally from a long mature circumferential scar with cartilage collapse.
Why every option is right or wrong
A. Age alone: It affects fitness but does not define stenosis architecture.
B. Length, maturity and framework involvement of the stenosis together with patient factors: Grade alone is insufficient; a short soft web differs fundamentally from a long mature circumferential scar with cartilage collapse.
C. Voice handicap score alone: Useful for outcomes but not enough to select airway reconstruction.
D. Presence of reflux symptoms alone: Optimisation may matter, but it does not replace anatomical assessment.
E. One spirometry value alone: Flow limitation supports severity but does not map the lesion.
What if the scenario changed?
If the lesion were short, thin and without cartilage collapse, endoscopic incision/dilation could be favoured.
Independent Clinora preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme or a substitute for local policy and specialist judgement.
Back to the Section 1 bank