Current trends of balloon laryngoplasty in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current trend in balloon laryngoplasty usage and experience by practicing otolaryngologists in Thailand.

STUDY DESIGN: Anonymous 11 question online and paper survey of otolaryngologists on their current balloon laryngoplasty practices.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Current practices and experience in balloon laryngoplasty were queried with multiple choice and open-ended questions.

RESULTS: Laser use is the most commonly utilized instrument to treat airway stenosis in Thailand. 86% of respondents do not have experience with balloon dilatation; yet, almost half (47.6%) report they perform a minimum of five airway surgeries per year. Most respondents had been in practice for less than 6 years (41%) and reported that they did not have exposure to balloon use during residency training. The largest barrier reported for the use of balloon instrumentation in the airway is inexperience (44.4%) followed by cost (38.3%), yet most feel that treatment in airway stenosis could benefit by usage of balloons (95.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Most otolaryngologists in Thailand do not have experience with the use of balloon dilatation and lack of exposure remains the largest barrier to its use. Otolaryngologists in Thailand feel that increased usage of balloons in the airway could improve airway stenosis treatment in the country.