[Laryngomalacia--endoscopic microsurgical treatment]

Laryngomalacia is caused by inspiratory collapse of the supraglottic structures in babies. This predominant cause of stridor in the first years of life has a graded occurrence from an insignificant sound phenomenon to insufficient alveolar ventilation with possible serious complications and development of dystrophy. The laryngomalacia must be sub-classified by direct laryngoscopy with a flexible endoscope under spontaneous respiration. Microsurgical techniques for performing supraglottoplasty have recently been introduced. The authors describe symptoms and results in four cases of laryngomalacia, in one of whom a supraglottoplasty was performed. The authors emphasise the importance of recognising laryngomalacia as a possible cause of delayed development in the first year of life.