Management of blunt and penetrating laryngeal trauma

Abstract

Patients presenting with laryngotracheal trauma can be in alife-threatening situation. Early recognition of the severity of the injury and, if necessary, surgical intervention within the first 24-48 h increases the chance of achieving agood functional late result. Preservation or restoration of voice and swallowing function is the long-term therapeutic goal. Precise assessment of the extent of the injury can be achieved using acombination of computed tomography and flexible laryngotracheoscopy. Symptoms often do not reflect the extent of the injury, which can vary from endolaryngeal hemorrhage to complete laryngotracheal separation. Conservative treatment consists of observation with symptomatic therapy. On the other hand, surgery may include endolaryngeal repair and/or transcervical reconstruction; securing the airways is of utmost importance.