NEONATAL LARYNGOCELES - A CAUSE FOR AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION

The neonatal laryngocele is a congenital pathologic entity originating in the saccule of the laryngeal ventricle. This entity may present as an uncommon cause of neonatal airway obstruction. We present two case s of this condition and the management undertaken. Both patients demon strated significant airway distress. Evaluation of each patient includ ed either plain x-ray films of the neck, ultrasound, or computed tomog raphy of the neck. A cystic mass, containing air and fluid, was identi fied causing external compression of the airway in each case. Surgical intervention required airway endoscopy and an external approach to ex cise the mass. Tracheotomy was avoided in both cases; however, one inf ant required further surgery for laryngomalacia. Both children have do ne well in follow-up.