title: Transoral laser marsupialization of epiglottic cysts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of laser marsupialization of epiglottic cysts via a transoral route.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective clinical series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight consecutive patients with epiglottic cyst underwent laser marsupialization of an epiglottic cyst via a transoral approach. Pre- and postoperative laryngoscopic examinations were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 28 patients were enrolled, including 19 males and 9 females, ranging in age from 38 to 69 years, with a mean age of 54 years. Among these patients, 23 had a lumpy throat, and the remaining 5 had a voice alternation. The diameters of the cysts ranged from 1 to 3 cm. No perioperative bleeding or airway swelling was noted in any patient. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 4 to 41 (mean, 16) months. No recurrence was found during the follow-up examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transoral laser marsupialization is a simple, safe, and effective method for treatment of epiglottic cysts. This procedure has the potential to serve as the treatment of choice in the management of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and the Voice Beauty Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan. voicebeautysu@yahoo.com.tw
authors.forename: Chih-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Jui-Lin
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hsu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide