Laser Epiglottectomy: Endoscopic Technique and Indications

Abstract

At the American Laryngological Association annual meeting, Steven Zeitels, MD, C. W. Vaughn, MD, and G. T. Simpson, MD, of Boston University, reported their experience in managing various supraglottic pathologies in 49 patients by laser epiglottectomy. Utilizing general endotracheal anesthesia, the majority of patients (23) were treated for supraglottic airway obstruction caused by benign or malignant tumors, inflammatory processes, and postradiation edema. Other indications for laser epiglottectomy included diagnosis and staging of supraglottic carcinoma (18 patients), debulking advanced tumors (14 patients), and treatment of localized carcinomas and improvement of glottic visualization due to epiglottic obstruction following trauma or radiation (four patients). This unique series is enhanced by the investigators' concise elaboration of the actual surgical technique. Such a report provides useful information to both the novice and experienced laryngeal surgeon. The lack of significant postoperative problems with alimentation, airway, or voice, attest to the skill of these investigators and the