Role of transoral CO(2) laser surgery for severe pediatric laryngomalacia.

Abstract

Controversy exists as to the preferred treatment modality for managing refractory pediatric laryngomalacia (LM). Simultaneous bilateral procedures have been associated with supraglottic stenosis. Unilateral operations have a higher rate of secondary intervention. This prospective study was conceptualized to ascertain a preferred approach. A secondary goal was to correlate the surgical outcome with presenting symptoms and signs. Twenty-two children with severe LM met the criteria for enrollment. Bilateral CO(2) laser-assisted supraglottic laryngoplasties were performed in all cases. The procedure mainly consisted of division of the aryepiglottic fold. Nineteen (86%) patients met our defined success criteria. There were no surgical complications. Bilateral supraglottic laryngoplasty has a role in the management of severe refractory LM.

• Authors: Sachin Gandhi, Vasant Oswal, Pallavi Thekedar, Prasun Mishra
• Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 268 Issue 10 Pg. 1479-83 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1434-4726 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 21604072 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Laryngomalacia (diagnosis, surgery)
• Laryngoscopy
• Laser Therapy (instrumentation)
• Lasers, Gas (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery (methods)
• Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures (methods)
• Retrospective Studies
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome