LARYNGO-TRACHEO-ESOPHAGEAL CLEFT - A PLEA FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Congenital laryngeal clefts are rare. This paper reports on the manage ment of 3 patients with Type 2 laryngo-tracheo-oesophageal cleft. One patient died following tracheopexy after successful cleft closure. Pro gnosis is related to the presence of other major anomalies, the early diagnosis of the lesion and institution of appropriate respiratory and nutritional care prior to correction of the defect. A greater awarene ss of the condition combined with aggressive diagnostic endoscopy shou ld result in early diagnosis and improved survival.