QUAD #20: Endoscopic Repair of Minor Laryngeal Clefts with Dr. Catherine Hart

Stay Current in Pediatric Surgery

In this video, Dr. Catherine Hart, ENT surgeon at Cincinnati Children’s, discusses the endoscopic repair of minor laryngeal clefts, highlighting key surgical techniques and considerations. She explains the importance of accurately diagnosing these subtle clefts using combined evaluations and the criteria for deciding when surgery is necessary.

Key Points Covered:

• When to Operate: Indications include persistent respiratory symptoms, aspiration, or recurrent infections in children.
• Surgical Technique: The procedure involves removing the interarytenoid mucosa, using precise suturing to prevent issues like inverted edges, and ensuring complete demucosalization at the apex.
• Postoperative Care: Patients are monitored overnight and follow a preoperative diet until a follow-up evaluation 6-8 weeks later, which includes a video swallow study and endoscopy.
• Outcomes and Complications: While endoscopic repair shows a high success rate, Dr. Hart discusses the potential risks, including scarring and supraglottic infections, and emphasizes the importance of technique to minimize these complications.

Learn how Cincinnati Children's ENT team ensures successful outcomes for kids with minor laryngeal clefts and why endoscopic repair is often preferred.