Manifestations and management of laryngoceles

Six cases of laryngocele are reported including 2 bilateral, external laryngoceles, 1 internal laryngocele associated with amyloidosis, and 3 combined laryngoceles. Laryngoceles occur predominantly in males. Cervical mass and hoarseness were the most common signs and symptoms. Bilateral, external laryngoceles that decompress spontaneously when intralaryngeal air pressure returns to normal were managed conservatively. Combined and internal laryngoceles should be removed surgically through an external, lateral neck approach. This approach is preferable to anterior laryngofissure because it avoids trauma to the anterior commissure and the true vocal cords. In addition, blunting of the anterior commissure and the risk of subglottic stenosis are avoided.