Current Management of Lesions of the Pediatric Larynx

A variety of congenital and acquired lesions of the larynx are now managed effectively with the use of the carbon dioxide laser. This instrument seems to be the most effective of all available lasers for this type of therapy. Argon and neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet lasers do not appear appropriate for such lesions for several reasons. On occasion, patients with congenital and acquired subglottic stenosis, as well as those afflicted with rare tumors of the larynx, require open procedures as part of their treatment regimen. The need for appropriate equipment and competent pediatric anesthesia is paramount when undertaking cases of this type. These patients offer unique challenges to a laryngologist, but correction of their problems is effectively managed by appropriate application of current technology.