Laryngeal trauma: a systematic approach to management

Abstract

Laryngeal trauma is an uncommon but life threatening injury which is uncommon in British practice. It often occurs as part of a multiple injury. Major laryngeal injury may cause catastrophic airway compromise and death. Minor laryngeal injuries may be missed as more severe injuries supercede the management of the larynx. This may have adverse long-term sequlae. This article presents the initial assess ment and management of the patient with laryngeal trauma. The various controversies are discussed with reference to the literature available. The surgical approaches to the larynx are described.