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Published on: March 18, 2020
Laryngotracheal separation in an infant with severe dysgenesis of the larynx
Michael E McCormick1, Brian K Reilly, Jonathan G Murnick
1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Washington, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Insights
Laryngotracheal separation (LTS) effectively managed chronic aspiration in an infant with severe laryngeal dysgenesis. This surgical intervention prevented further aspiration pneumonias, offering a new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Chronic aspiration in infants poses significant health risks, often stemming from complex congenital anomalies.
- Severe laryngeal dysgenesis is a rare condition that can lead to intractable aspiration and respiratory distress.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with severe laryngeal maldevelopment, necessitating early tracheostomy for respiratory support.
- Despite tracheostomy, the infant continued to suffer from recurrent aspiration pneumonias, indicating persistent aspiration issues.
Findings:
- Laryngotracheal separation (LTS) was performed, successfully isolating the airway from the esophagus and preventing further aspiration.
- Following LTS, the infant experienced complete resolution of aspiration pneumonias, demonstrating the procedure's efficacy.
Implications:
- Laryngotracheal separation (LTS) presents a viable and safe initial surgical option for managing chronic aspiration in infants with severe laryngeal dysgenesis.
- This case highlights the importance of considering advanced surgical interventions when conservative management fails in complex neonatal airway disorders.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
We describe management of an infant with chronic aspiration as a result of severe and rarely described laryngeal dysgenesis.
Results:
A neonate with severe maldevelopment of the laryngeal structures required tracheostomy for respiratory distress on day-of-life 1, but the patient continued to have aspiration pneumonias. After failing to improve with conservative measures, the infant underwent laryngotracheal separation (LTS), which was successful in preventing aspiration. The patient has had no further pneumonias.
Conclusions:
The presented case illustrates that LTS may be considered a safe and effective initial treatment option for chronic aspiration in select infants with severe dysgenesis of the larynx.
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