Cleft larynx. A report of seven cases
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the otolaryngologist with a difficult and frequently missed anomaly. It is hoped that this will increase the number of successfully managed patients with this affliction. Of the seven herein reported cases, four were posterior clefts limited to the cricoid lamina. Three were more extensive laryngotracheoesophageal clefts. Seven cases are thus added to the approximately 30 cases reported in the world literature. The limited cricoid lamina defect can only be diagnosed by endoscopic examination, and is treated medically. Feedings must be given by gastrostomy only. A tracheotomy is indicated only when oral secretions are aspirated into the tracheobronchial tree. The more extensive laryngotracheoesophageal celft requires surgical repair through a lateral pharyngotomy approach. When the cleft is extensive and extends into the chest, surgery must include a thoracic approach. The occurrence of cleft larynx in association with tracheoesophageal fistulae, with or without atresia may be more frequent than generally realized. A search should be made for this anomaly in patients who aspirate after atresia repair has been accomplished, before attributing this symptom to severe stricture formation, ...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Clinical aspects of type 1 posterior laryngeal clefts: literature review and a report of 31 patients
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