Subglottic hemangiomas in infants: Treatment with CO₂ laser

Abstract

Subglottic hemangiomas in infants are rare but potentially lethal. Although the majority tend to regress after 12 to 18 months, lethal compromise of the airway is always possible until then, A plethora of treatments have been advocated for subglottic hemangiomas, each with significant morbidity. Eleven consectuve patients have undergone laser resection of subglottic hemangiomas at the University of California, San Francisco. Three infants have been managed without a tracheotomy. If a tracheotomy is required, earlier removal can be achieved with laser resection. No subglottic stenosis or hemorrhage has occurred following laser resection. CO2 laser resection is now the safest and most effective treatment available.

The Biology and Management of Subglottic Hemangioma: Past, Present, Future

“…Review of the literature revealed mixed results with regard to the efficacy of CO 2 laser treatment of subglottic hemangioma. Many authors have reported excellent success, 35–37 whereas others have reported minimum benefit and high complication rates 12,29,38 . Lack of long‐term follow‐up, 39 significant risk of scar formation and subglottic stenosis, 12,38 and limited application for lesions in the posterior subglottic area or distal trachea 40,41 have been reported.…”