Severe Laryngomalacia: Management of 10 Cases with CO 2 Laser

Abstract

Objective: 1) Be able to quantify the prevalence of severe laryngomalacia in our department and evaluate the impact of postoperative CO₂-laser supraglottoplasty. 2) Determine if CO₂-laser supraglottoplasty laser is beneficial for patients with severe laryngomalacia.

Method: Retrospective study. Ten patients diagnosed with severe laryngomalacia in our service from October 2001 to September 2011 who underwent unilateral or bilateral CO₂-laser supraglottoplasty. The main outcome measures were: type of laryngomalacia, resolution of clinically significant laryngomalacia, development of major complications, andlength of post-operative hospital stay.

Results: A total of 10 pediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years were enrolled. The mean age was 20.8 months. There were 6 men (60%) and 4 women (40%). Inspiratory stridor was the main clinical symptom (90%) and all children had significant relief of symptoms. Most common type of LM was the type I (60%). About 3 patients (30%) underwent a new surgery. None of them needed tracheotomy nor had major complications.

Conclusion: The majority of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty do not present complications. CO₂-laser supraglottoplasty is a secure and effective treatment option for severe laryngomalacia. Furthermore the postoperative clinical follow-up is an important factor for the successful treatment of laryngomalacia.