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Endoscopic lysis of anterior glottic webs and silicone keel placement
John Edwards1, Neil Tanna, Steven A Bielamowicz
1Division of Otolaryngology, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 6-301, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
Objectives:
Acquired anterior glottic webs occur most commonly after endoscopic resection of laryngeal papilloma involving the anterior vocal folds. Treatment of anterior glottic webs has included a tracheotomy with laryngofissure and placement of a laryngeal stent or keel. We have used an endoscopic technique of web lysis and placement of a laryngeal keel without tracheotomy over the past 7 years.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all cases of endoscopic web lysis and keel placement performed by the senior author (S.A.B.).
Results:
Over the past 7 years, 10 patients underwent the procedure, with a mean follow-up of 18 months. The length of the anterior web was up to two thirds of the membranous vocal fold. Outcomes analysis revealed a recurrence in 1 patient and 2 minor complications necessitating treatment.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic web lysis and keel placement offers superior results with less morbidity compared to open techniques.
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