Cricoid malformation and endolaryngeal submucosal drilling - a possible technique

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Laryngology

Background:

• Cricoid malformations present diverse severities and anatomical features, often leading to delayed diagnosis despite complex medical management.
• Difficulties in decannulation can arise in pediatric patients with laryngeal malformations, even after extensive medical care.

Observation:

• A case of a previously operated pediatric patient requiring prolonged intubation and experiencing difficult decannulation is presented.
• Intraoperative findings revealed a cricoid cartilage malformation contributing to acquired subglottic stenosis.

Findings:

• A minimally invasive surgical approach involving submucosal drilling of redundant cricoid cartilage was performed, preserving laryngeal mucosa.
• Successful decannulation was achieved 13 days post-surgery, demonstrating rapid recovery.

Implications:

• Endolaryngeal submucosal drilling provides an effective, less invasive surgical option for cricoid malformations.
• Patient-specific surgical tailoring is crucial for optimal outcomes in laryngeal surgery.