The subglottis is the most common location of mechanical obstruction in the laryngotracheal airway. Years ago, infections, such as diphtheria and tuberculosis, were the most common causes. But long term intubation and tracheostomy are replacing infection as the most common cause of upper airway stenosis due to relatively rare occasions of infectious diseases. The subglottic area is encircled by the cricoid cartilage, which is the only complete circular cartilage in the airway. So the subglottis is apt to be damaged during intubation due to its nondistensibility. The management of subglottic stenosis is one of most difficult problem in head and neck surgeon. The authors have treated four subglottic stenosis patients successfully by cricoid splitting and cartilage graft from June 1987 to February 1988. In the cases, the decannulation could be achieved in several months and there were no restenosis.