Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis of a type 1 cleft can be difficult, even when using the gold standard diagnostic method of a DLB. ENTs will sometimes diagnose patients with a "deep arytenoid groove (DIG)" or "notch" instead of a type 1 cleft when the cleft approaches but does not reach the level of the true vocal folds (International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, 2017). Regardless, most ENTs manage a type 1 cleft and a DIG the same way and focus more on whether the child is exhibiting functional symptoms.

One risk of any type of laryngeal cleft surgery is the possibility that the repair fails. This can happen if the surgical site does not heal completely and the repair ultimately reopens, either partially or completely. A variety of factors can increase this failure risk, including reflux, coughing, the use of an endotracheal or NG tube, and laryngeal movement. In a minority of cases, a cleft repair can fail years later. If a cleft reopens, surgeons can usually repair it again.

Hopefully, but not necessarily. While many children's aspiration is eliminated or greatly reduced after surgery, closing the gap does not guarantee their swallow will function normally. Some children may have other conditions besides a laryngeal cleft that affect their swallow. If you are considering having your child's cleft repaired, discuss what to expect with your child's medical team.

Yes. Researchers do not yet know the cause of laryngeal clefts. Sometimes it appears randomly in a family. Other times more than one child is affected.

Not usually. Some type 4 prenatal ultrasounds may look abnormal in a manner not clearly understood until the baby is scoped after birth.