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External laryngotracheal trauma in children
1Department of ENT, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. kurien123@hotmail.com
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 30, 1999
Summary
Acute external laryngotracheal trauma in children is rare but challenging. Tracheostomy and early surgery are key treatments, with a proposed protocol to guide management for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- External laryngotracheal trauma in children is uncommon.
- It poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric external laryngotracheal trauma.
- To develop a straightforward and effective management protocol for this emergency.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series involving 12 pediatric patients (ages 2-14).
- Analysis correlated clinical presentation with conservative management, tracheostomy, and surgical interventions.
- All open injury cases underwent tracheostomy, upper endoscopy, and neck exploration.
Main Results:
- Breathing difficulty and stridor were the most frequent symptoms.
- In open injuries, 25% developed subglottic stenosis; in closed injuries, 13% developed glottic stenosis.
- No mortality was observed; tracheostomy and early surgical intervention were crucial.
Conclusions:
- Tracheostomy and prompt surgical intervention are recommended for acute external laryngotracheal trauma in children.
- A management protocol based on clinical presentation criteria is proposed for effective emergency care.