Strictures in the area of the larynx frequently call for tracheostomy to ensure ventilation. Balloon dilation of the larynx could contribute in children with inborn or acquired laryngeal stricture to the dilation of the stricture so that the cannula could be removed. The authors evaluate the success of dilations by etiology, site and duration of the stricture before dilation. The authors implemented 24 dilations in 9 children with a tracheostomic cannula. In 3 children with stricture after prolonged intubation, in 2 children after injuries of the larynx, in 2 with an inflammatory, 1 with a corrosive stricture and 1 stricture of unknown origin. In the majority of children repeated dilations were necessary, on average 2.6 dilations per patient. The dilation contributed to the removal of the cannula in 4 of 9 children (1 with posttraumatic, 1 with postinflammatory, 1 with postcorrosive stricture and one with stricture of unknown etiology), i.e. in 44% children. In children with dilation made within 9 months after the development of the stricture the cannula could be removed. With the exception of one child, in children where dilation was performed later it did not prove possible to remove the cannula. Dilations of postintubation strictures of the larynx failed. Dilations in subglottic strictures were somewhat more successful. Balloon dilations may help to resolve the problem of strictures in particular if they developed not long before dilation. For the success of dilation the duration of the stricture before dilation is decisive. Dilations within 6 - 9 months after development of the stricture are successful. The etiology and site of the stricture are not important for the success of the dilation.

        Key words: balloon dilation - stricture - larynx