Acute laryngeal trauma: a review of 77 patients

Acute laryngeal trauma is a rare injury. In the past 18 years, 77 patients with acute laryngeal trauma have been evaluated at our institution. Each patient's care was overseen by the senior author (E.S.P.). The 61 patients who were seen within 48 hours of their accident are compared with those treated after 48 hours. All patients are classified by both injury (groups 1 through 5) and treatment (types I through III). Results are reported for voice, airway, and swallowing. Our methods of evaluation and treatment are outlined, and controversial aspects of patient management are addressed. We conclude that conservative treatment of group 1 and 2 injuries is 100% effective, expeditious repair of laryngeal injuries greatly reduces poor outcome, and the type of injury can be used to roughly predict patient outcome. Further, with use of current methods of diagnosis and management, almost all patients will be decannulated (98%) with functional speech (100%) and normal deglutition (100%).