CO2 laser cauterization approach to congenital pyriform sinus fistula

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser cauterization with suspension microlaryngoscopy as a definitive surgical treatment for pediatric Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula (CPSF). Material and methodsThis is a cohort retrospective study. Thyroid function and cervical ultrasonography examinations were performed before operation. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on patients with a repeated infection (≥2 times) and/or if they had a prior open surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: the <8-year-old group and the ≥8-year-old group. The differences in the number of cauterization procedures between the two age groups and between the initial treatment and the retreatment groups were analyzed. ResultsCO2 laser cauterizations with suspension microlaryngoscopy were performed for 104 CPSF patients. No complications occurred. Three patients had a recurrence in the follow-up. The number of surgical cauterization operations was fewer than 3 in 85.1% of the patients. There was no significant difference in the number of cauterizations among the different age groups or between the initial treatment and retreatment groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCO2 laser cauterization with suspension microlaryngoscopy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach to CPSF with optimal patient outcomes. Type of studyTreatment Study. Level of evidenceLevel III.