Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Intractable pulmonary aspiration in children: which operation?

Maky A Hafidh1, Orla Young, John D Russell

  • 1Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. maky@esatclear.ie

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Intractable aspiration, a serious condition, requires definitive surgical treatment. Laryngotracheal separation is presented as the most effective and reliable option for managing severe aspiration in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Otolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intractable aspiration poses a significant life-threatening risk.
  • Various surgical interventions exist for managing intractable aspiration.

Observation:

  • Supraglottic laryngeal closure via endoscopy failed in two pediatric patients due to postoperative dehiscence.
  • Laryngotracheal separation successfully resolved aspiration symptoms in these two patients.
  • Laryngotracheal separation was effective as an initial procedure in a third pediatric patient.

Findings:

  • The study suggests that definitive surgical treatment is necessary for intractable aspiration.
  • Laryngotracheal separation demonstrated superior efficacy and reliability compared to supraglottic laryngeal closure in the reported cases.
  • While effective, laryngotracheal separation results in inevitable loss of phonation.

Implications:

  • Laryngotracheal separation should be considered a primary treatment for intractable aspiration.
  • Further research into managing phonation post-laryngotracheal separation may be warranted.
  • This study contributes to understanding surgical management options for pediatric aspiration.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure01:23

Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...