Abstract
Severe type III laryngomalacia LM is represented by a retroflexed epiglottis that touches the posterior pharyngeal wall and obstructs the laryngeal inlet. Endoscopic epiglottopexy is advised in such cases wherein pexy sutures are passed between the epiglottis and base of tongue. Using conventional needle carriers, it is difficult to pass such sutures that go deep enough into the tongue base. Such a pexy is prone to a break down. We describe a novel technique of placing these glossoepiglottic sutures using the Lichtenberger’s needle carrier. We used this technique in three patients with excellent results and report no complications. We propose to use this technique in cases of epiglottic prolapse seen in severe LM and certain hypotonic conditions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lane RW, Weider DJ, Steinem C (1984) Laryngomalacia: a review and case report of surgical treatment with resolution of pectus excavatum. Arch Otolarynol 110:546–551
Thompson DM (2007) Abnormal sensorimotor integrative function of the larynx in congenital laryngomalacia: a new theory of etiology. Laryngoscope 117:1–33
Holinger LD, Lusk RP, Green CG (1997) Pediatric laryngology and bronchoesophagology, 139–142. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, New York
Werner JA, Lippert BM, Dünne AA, Ankermann T, Folz BJ, Seyberth H (2002) Epiglottopexy for the treatment of severe laryngomalacia. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 259(9):459–464
Oomen K, Modi VK (2014) Epiglottopexy with and without lingual tonsillectomy. Laryngoscope 124:1019–1022
Fajdiga I, Beden AB, Krivec U, Iglic Č (2008) Epiglottic suture for treatment of laryngomalacia. Intl J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 72:1345–1351
Whymark AD, Clement WA, Kubba H, Geddes NK (2006) Laser epiglottopexy for laryngomalacia: 10 years’ experience in the west of Scotland. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 132:978–982
Sesterhenn AM, Zimmermann AP, Bernhard M, Kussin A, Timmesfeld N, Stiller S, Wiegand S, Maier RF, Werner JA (2009) Polysomnography outcomes following transoral CO2 laser microsurgery in pediatric patients with laryngomalacia. Int J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 73:1339–1343
O’Connor TE, Bumbak P, Vijayasekaran S (2009) Objective assessment of supraglottoplasty outcomes using polysomnography. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 73(9):1211–1216
Meier JD, Nguyen SA, White DR (2011) Improved growth curve measurements after supraglottoplasty. Laryngoscope 121(7):1574–1577
Denoyelle F, Mondain M, Gresillon N, Roger G, Chaudre F, Garabedian EN (2003) Failures and complications of supraglottoplasty in children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 129(10):1077–1080
Reddy DK, Matt BH (2001) Unilateral versus bilateral supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia in children. Arch Otol Head Neck Surg 127:694–699
Preciado D, Zalzal G (2012) A systematic review of supraglottoplasty outcomes. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 138(8):718–721
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Electronic supplementary material
Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sandu, K., Monnier, P., Reinhard, A. et al. Endoscopic epiglottopexy using Lichtenberger’s needle carrier to avoid breakdown of repair. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 272, 3385–3390 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3707-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3707-5