CONGENITAL LARYNGEAL CYSTS - CURRENT APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT

Congenital laryngeal cysts are a rare cause of neonatal upper airway o bstruction which may lead to serious morbidity and mortality if diagno sis and treatment are delayed. We reviewed our experience with nine pa tients over a six-year period. The annual incidence of this condition was 1.82 per 100,000 live births. The diagnosis can be confirmed safel y by flexible laryngoscopy before definitive surgery is contemplated. Contrary to other studies, we found that endoscopic removal of cysts c an achieve an effective cure without recurrence. Endoscopic deroofing is as effective as endoscopic excision but is technically simpler and thus is recommended as the treatment of choice.