Epiglottopexy for the treatment of severe laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in newborns and infants. Up until now, different surgical techniques for the treatment of this disease have been described. We report on a modified technique, the so called epiglottopexy, which is a laser-surgical treatment strategy in severe laryngomalacia. A total number of six children (ages: 6 weeks–10.4 years) were treated for life-threatening stridor, which was due to an isolated posterior displacement of the epiglottis during inspiration. In two patients, shortened aryepiglottic folds contributed to the stridor. In all of the children, a modified technique of epiglottopexy was performed transorally; in two cases, this was followed by laser surgical transection of the aryepiglottic folds. Epiglottopexy on the base of the tongue was performed using single suture stitches following laser-surgical vaporization of the corresponding mucosal areas of the epiglottis and the base of the tongue. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. All six children demonstrated significant airway improvement without any further stridor. Deglutation was not impaired. The presented laser-surgical technique seems to be an appropriate therapy for treatment of severe forms of laryngomalacia characterized by an isolated posterior displacement of the epiglottis during inspiration.