title: Endoscopic epiglottopexy using Lichtenberger's needle carrier to avoid breakdown of repair.
abstract: Severe type III laryngomalacia LM is represented by a retroflexed epiglottis that touches the posterior pharyngeal wall and obstructs the laryngeal inlet. Endoscopic epiglottopexy is advised in such cases wherein pexy sutures are passed between the epiglottis and base of tongue. Using conventional needle carriers, it is difficult to pass such sutures that go deep enough into the tongue base. Such a pexy is prone to a break down. We describe a novel technique of placing these glossoepiglottic sutures using the Lichtenberger's needle carrier. We used this technique in three patients with excellent results and report no complications. We propose to use this technique in cases of epiglottic prolapse seen in severe LM and certain hypotonic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. kishore.sandu@chuv.ch.
authors.forename: Kishore
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sandu
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Monnier
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reinhard
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gorostidi
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D055092:Laryngomalacia / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures
keywords: Endoscopic epiglottopexy; Lichtenberger’s needle carrier; Severe laryngomalacia