Unilateral endoscopic supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of unilateral supraglottoplasty in the treatment of children with severe laryngomalacia.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Pediatric tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Eighteen children with severe laryngomalacia. Indications for surgical intervention were obstructive apnea, failure to thrive, cyanosis, and/or cor pulmonale.


METHODS
Unilateral carbon dioxide laser removal of redundant supraglottic tissue (supraglottoplasty).


METHODS
Evaluation of relief of symptoms, need for subsequent contralateral procedure, and incidence of complications.


RESULTS
Three patients required treatment of the opposite side at a later date. There were no complications. Obstructive apnea and weight gain improved in all.


CONCLUSIONS
Unilateral supraglottoplasty can be used to treat severe laryngomalacia in most patients. A small percentage of patients will subsequently require a contralateral procedure. Unilateral supraglottoplasty may have less risk of complications than bilateral supraglottoplasty.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D016896:Treatment Outcome