Abstract
Objective. To discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management of
congenital laryngeal webs. Methods: The Institutional approved this
retrospective review of all patients who were diagnosed with laryngeal
webs at our institution within the past 10 years. Results: There were 3
type I and II webs and 7 type III and IV webs; All 3 children with type
I and II laryngeal webs recovered after a single endoscopic procedure,
while children with type III and IV laryngeal webs usually had a record
of multiple visits to the hospital with multiple treatments. In all 7
children with type III and IV webs, a tracheotomy was performed. The
average age of the patients who underwent tracheotomy was 4.86
months(range,1-11mo). Six of the seven children (85.7%) with type
III and IV webs displayed subglottic stenosis. The ultimate treatment
for such patients was open laryngoplasty. Conclusions: children with
type III and IV laryngeal webs were more likely to have subglottic
stenosis and needed to undergo tracheotomy earlier. They usually had a
record of multiple visits to the hospital with multiple treatments. Open
laryngoplasty combined with the implantation of a T-tube and
reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage using hyoid bone may play a
crucial role in the treatment of congenital laryngeal webs with
subglottic stenosis.