title: Laryngeal cleft.
abstract: Laryngeal cleft, first described by Richter in 1792, is a rarecongenital malformation. Diagnosis can be challenging and is contingent upon a high index of suspicion based on clinical presentation, interpretation of preoperative studies and a thorough endoscopic evaluation under general anesthesia whereby the posterior glottis is carefully palpated for any evidence of a cleft. Management involves feeding and medical therapy. When this fails, endoscopic repair is possible in type 1, 2 and selective type 3 laryngeal clefts. We describe the diagnosis and endoscopic management of type 1 laryngeal clefts, highlighting surgical pearls necessary for success.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. karen.watters@childrens.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Watters
authors.forename: Lynne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rahbar
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome