Endoscopic Management of Blunt Pediatric Laryngeal Trauma

Abstract

Objectives:

Blunt laryngeal trauma in the pediatric population is an uncommon but unique entity that can be potentially life-threatening. Given the infrequency of these events, its management can pose a clinical dilemma. The authors review the evaluation and treatment of blunt pediatric laryngeal trauma.

Methods:

We present a case report and a review of the literature.

Results:

We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with laryngeal injury following blunt trauma. The patient sustained endolaryngeal hematomas and mucosal lacerations with exposed cartilage. After mucosal approximation, the patient was successfully managed in a critical care setting without a tracheostomy.

Conclusions:

With an appropriate and thorough evaluation of the pediatric patient, endoscopic management without a surgical airway may be considered as a viable alternative for blunt laryngeal trauma.