Laryngomalacia: a classification system and surgical treatment strategy.
Laryngomalacia, the most common congenital laryngeal anomaly, is not a single disease entity but rather a variety of entities along a spectrum of underlying pathophysiologies. Based on our study of 10 children who were surgically treated for laryngomalacia in an urban tertiary care center, we have developed a system of classifying laryngomalacia on the basis of its different underlying pathophysiologic processes. Type I laryngomalacia is characterized by a foreshortened or tight aryepiglottic fold. Type 2 disease is defined by the presence of redundant soft tissue in the supraglottis. The type 3 designation applies to cases caused by other etiologies, such as underlying neuromuscular disorders. While the three types are not mutually exclusive, each should be considered as a separate disease entity with a final common clinical presentation. Each type requires a specific approach to surgical repair.
Kay
David J
DJ
Center for Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boynton Beach, Fla, USA. davidkay@pol.net
Goldsmith
Ari J
AJ
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007817:Laryngeal Cartilages / Q000601:surgery; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000151:congenital / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical