Laryngeal Abscess: A 34-Year Review

This study aimed to investigate the frequency, clinical-epidemiological characteristics, and management of laryngeal abscesses in our hospital setting. We included all patients treated for primary laryngeal abscesses in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of a tertiary hospital over a 34-year period. Patients with abscesses believed to have originated from adjacent regions were excluded. Thirteen patients with laryngeal abscesses were identified, with epiglottitis being the most common etiology (61%). Three patients were immunosuppressed. Four patients required urgent tracheotomy, and one underwent cricothyrotomy due to upper airway obstruction. All cases were drained under general anesthesia via a transoral route. Five patients required admission to the intensive care unit, and two experienced severe complications. There were no fatalities. Laryngeal abscesses are rare, with epiglottitis being the predominant cause. These cases pose a high risk of upper airway obstruction, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment by a multidisciplinary team to prevent complications.