Speech and language therapy management of laryngotracheal stenosis - what has changed

Gemma Clunie; Guri Sandhu; Justin Roe

doi:10.1097/MOO.0000000000001111

Speech and language therapy management of laryngotracheal stenosis - what has changed

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Jan 23. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000001111. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Gemma Clunie^{1

2}, Guri Sandhu^{1

2}, Justin Roe^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer.
² Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
³ The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Speech, Voice and Swallowing, London, UK.

PMID: 41576415
DOI: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000001111

Abstract

Purpose of review: To examine how the clinical management of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) by speech and language therapists (SLTs) has evolved over the past decade. The review highlights changes in assessment, counselling, and rehabilitation practices in response to advances in surgical interventions and explores implications for multidisciplinary care.

Recent findings: Recent literature and clinical experience demonstrate that SLTs play a critical role in managing voice and swallowing outcomes for patients with LTS. While established care pathways exist for reconstructive surgery, the increasing use of minimally invasive endoscopic procedures and complex cases require more nuanced, individualized approaches. Prospective studies have defined the impact of LTS and its treatments on voice and swallowing, and a core outcome set (COS-LTS) has been developed to standardize outcome reporting in future research. Psychosocial support and patient-centred decision-making have become integral components of care.

Summary: Adults with LTS experience multifaceted challenges affecting breathing, voice, and swallowing. SLTs are essential members of the multidisciplinary team, providing pre and postoperative assessment, counselling, and rehabilitation. Advances in treatment options and recognition of psychosocial impacts necessitate flexible, holistic care strategies. Future research should focus on validating outcome measures, implementing the COS-LTS, and incorporating patient priorities to optimize functional and quality-of-life outcomes.

Keywords: laryngotracheal stenosis; outcomes; speech and language therapy; swallowing; voice.