Laser treatment in pediatric laryngology

Abstract

Background: The introduction of laser treatment in pediatric laryngology has significantly improved the management of laryngeal pathologies in children, notably laryngo-tracheal stenosis, laryngeal papillomatosis and bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Aim: To clarify indications for laser treatment in pediatric laryngeal pathology and to evaluate our results. Methods: Retrospective study of 24 children followed for laryngotracheal pathologies and treated with CO2 laser between January 2012 and December 2017. Results: Mean age 7 years, sex ratio 1/3, mean delay to consultation 25 months. Pathologies included congenital laryngotracheal stenosis (9), laryngeal papillomatosis (7), laryngeal diplegia with closure (2), vocal cord polyps (5), and laryngomalacia (1). All patients with laryngeal papillomatosis had recurrences. Overall success rate for subglottic stenosis was 57%. Conclusion: The choice of technique in pediatric laryngology must be individualized, taking into account the child's age, severity of impairment and functional objectives.