Slow-Release 5-Fluorouracil and Triamcinolone Reduces Subglottic Stenosis in a Rabbit Model

A previous pilot study suggested that a sustained-release conjugate that provided a slow release of 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone acetonide injected into the tracheal and paratracheal tissues of rabbits at the time of subglottic surgery reduced the formation of subglottic stenosis. Our study was undertaken to confirm the effect. Ten milligrams of the compound suspended in hyaluronic acid was injected at the time of injury via a laryngofissure approach. The results showed that the control group had a mean stenosis of 52%, whereas the treated group had a mean stenosis of 32%. There was a significant difference between the treated and untreated groups (p = 003). It is hoped that this co-drug ultimately can be used in humans to reduce stenosis formation after laryngotracheal surgery and in other forms of otorhinolaryngological surgery.