Transient swallowing dysfunction in typically developing children following supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia

ObjectiveTo evaluate early postoperative swallowing function in otherwise typically-developing children following supraglottoplasty.MethodsRetrospective chart review case series.ResultsOf 37 children identified as having undergone supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia at our institution between January 2007 and October 2011, 24 were identified as otherwise typically developing with no indications/signs of swallowing problems pre-operatively and eligible for inclusion in this study. Twenty-two children underwent bilateral supraglottoplasty and 2 children underwent unilateral supraglottoplasty using the CO₂ laser or the laryngeal skimmer microdebrider in combination with cold steel technique, based on the discretion of four Pediatric Otolaryngologists. Seventeen children were seen post-operatively for a clinical swallow evaluation. Six children were found to have swallowing dysfunction. Four of the six children showed variable symptoms, signs, or findings concerning for aspiration with oral feeding. Three of six underwent video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). All 6 children responded to dietary modifications, positioning alterations, and anti-reflux medications. All showed improvement by their 4-week post-operative follow-up visit. The median age of the 24 patients at the time of surgery was 3 months, with a range from 2 weeks to 4 years. The median age of the patients found to have transient post-operative swallowing dysfunction was 1.5 months, with a range of 2 weeks to 4 months. There was no association between post-operative swallowing dysfunction and the surgical technique employed.ConclusionsSupraglottoplasty in otherwise typically developing children carries a risk of transient swallowing dysfunction with a low risk of persistent dysfunction. Most patients can be assessed post-operatively via clinical swallow evaluation without requiring an instrumental swallow study.     

Endoscopic correction of severe laryngomalacia

Tracheostomy for management of severe laryngomalacia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Two cases are reported wherein the laryngeal abnormality was corrected by ary-epiglottic fold incision and CO₂ laser supraglottoplasty. Stridor and respiratory obstruction were relieved and a long term tracheostomy avoided. Endoscopic correction of laryngomalacia offers significant benefits over conventional treatment with tracheostomy in terms of decreased morbidity and improved quality of life.     

Feasibility of Surgical Treatment for Laryngomalacia Using the Spontaneous Respiration Technique

Objectives.In this study, we review our institutional experience with pediatric laryngomalacia (LM) and report our experiences of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty using the spontaneous respiration using intravenous anesthesia and high-flow nasal oxygen (STRIVE Hi) technique.Methods.The medical records of 29 children with LM who visited Seoul National University Hospital between January 2017 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical management was performed using the STRIVE Hi technique. Intraoperative findings and postoperative surgical outcomes, including complications and changes in symptoms and weight, were analyzed.Results.Of the total study population of 29 subjects, 20 (68.9%) were female. The patients were divided according to the Onley classification as follows: type I (n=13, 44.8%), II (n=10, 34.5%), and III (n=6, 20.7%). Twenty-five patients (86.2%) had comorbidities. Seventeen patients (58.6%) underwent microlaryngobronchoscopy under STRIVE Hi anesthesia. Four patients with several desaturation events required rescue oxygenation by intermittent intubation and mask bagging during the STRIVE Hi technique. However, the procedure was completed in all patients without any severe adverse effects. Overall, 15 children (51.7%) underwent supraglottoplasty, of whom 14 (93.3%) showed symptom improvement, and their postoperative weight percentile significantly increased (P=0.026). One patient required tracheostomy immediately after supraglottoplasty due to associated neurological disease.Conclusion.The STRIVE Hi technique is feasible for supraglottoplasty in LM patients, while type III LM patients with micrognathia or glossoptosis may have a higher risk of requiring rescue oxygenation during the STRIVE Hi technique.     

婴幼儿吸气性喉喘鸣病因分析与治疗

目的 分析婴幼儿吸气性喉喘鸣的发病原因,探讨其有效治疗方法。方法 回顾性分析2009年7月至2012年7月于我科就诊的256例吸气性喉喘鸣患儿的临床资料。结果 256例中,162例(63.3％)为先天性喉气道结构异常,50例(19.5％)为占位性病变,11例(4.3%11/256)为神经性疾病-声带麻痹,33例(12.9％33／256)为获得性病变引起的上呼吸道阻塞。结论 喉软骨软化症仍是0~2岁婴儿吸气性喉喘鸣的主要病因,随着月龄增长有自愈的倾向;其他喉部病变也是吸气性喉喘鸣的重要病因。诊断需借助辅助检查,应尽早明确;针对不同病因采取不同的治疗方案     

Supraglottoplasty outcomes in children with Down syndrome

ObjectiveChildren with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of upper airway obstruction and laryngomalacia. We sought to determine outcomes of supraglottoplasty in this patient population.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed from January 2000 through January 2014. Children (n = 18) at our institution with the diagnosis of Down syndrome who underwent supraglottoplasty were included. We reviewed patient characteristics, preoperative findings, and surgical outcomes (stridor, feeding problems, respiratory distress, weight, sleep apnea, and tracheostomy or feeding tube dependence).ResultsThe average age at surgery was 7.7 months. Operative indications included feeding difficulties (n = 9), noisy breathing or respiratory distress (or both) (n = 16), and sleep-related symptoms (n = 7). Most patients (89%) were extubated successfully on postoperative day 1. There were 2 major complications (CPAP requirement and aspiration pneumonia) and no perioperative deaths. Fifty percent had improved weight (mean = 18 percentile points). Feedback was available from 88% of parents with 100% reporting improvement in respiratory symptoms and 93% reporting improved feeding. Eight patients (44%) subsequently required either adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Two patients later underwent tracheostomy, 2 subsequently needed a gastrostomy tube and 2 required revision supraglottoplasty.ConclusionsThe majority of children with Down syndrome and laryngomalacia benefit from supraglottoplasty, with outcomes of improved breathing, feeding, and sleeping.However, approximately half may require additional airway procedures. This procedure is well tolerated and associated with a low risk of complications especially given their high rate of comorbidities.