Airway interruption in encephalopathic children: a clinical and histological analysis

Severe, incessant aspiration can be a most troublesome sequel to the already tragic problem of a vegetative mental state in a previously normal child. Three patients, aged 2 to 4 years, underwent surgery to treat their aspiration. A different type of procedure was used for each patient: cord closure combined with an epiglottic flap, cord closure alone, and a laryngeal stent. Laryngeal histopathology of a case is presented for the first time; findings suggest that the theoretical reversibility of that particular type of procedure could prove formidable. Clinically, the immediate cessation of aspiration has provided all parents and health care personnel with a surprising sense of gratification and has enabled each child to be transferred to a less-costly care facility or to home.