Endoscopic management of blunt pediatric laryngeal trauma.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Elmaraghy
Charles A
CA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, USA.
Tanna
Neil
N
Wiet
Gregory J
GJ
Kang
D Richard
DR
D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*