Laryngotracheal Cleft Repair in Children With Complex Airway Anomalies
Authors
de Alarcón A, Osborn AJ, Tabangin ME, Cohen AP, Hart CK, Cotton RT, Rutter MJ
Publication
JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Date
September 2015
Conclusions
“Although additional airway findings were common in our cohort of patients with laryngotracheal clefts, these anomalies did not affect surgery-specific or overall surgical success. The overall surgical success rate for those with and without additional airway anomalies was 92% and 97%, respectively. In view of the fact that cleft breakdown after surgical repair is not uncommon and may occur years after the initial repair, we strongly advocate long-term follow-up. Despite successful closure, a significant percentage of children with laryngotracheal cleft will have persistent swallowing dysfunction.”