Cryocauterization in the treatment of subglottic hemangioma in infants

Cryocauterization seems to be an effective method of treating the subglottic hemangioma of infants. A series of five patients is presented. Cryotherapy, at temperatures of --40 degrees C or --70 degrees C for 60 or 30 seconds respectively, was given at intervals of 2 weeks, 3-6 sessions being required. during this time the child usually had to remain tracheostomized. No therapeutic or late complications were recorded. The patients have been followed up from 8 to 3 1/2 years, and none of them have shown disturbances of laryngeal development or predisposition to stricture.