Outpatient transoral laser vaporization of anterior glottic webs and keel placement: Risks of airway compromise

Management of acquired anterior glottic webs involves resection of the web with reconstitution of a linear vocal fold edge and anterior commissure. Tr aditional procedures such as transcervical midline thyrotomy (with tracheos tomy) and keel placement have been used for patients with extensive scar fo rmation and airway compromise. However, in selected patients with more limi ted scarring and minimal-to-no airway compromise, a transoral endoscopic ap proach may be a viable option. Tn three patients, transoral laser vaporizat ion followed by transoral keel placement and outpatient removal resulted in a vocal quality that perceptually improved without any evidence of respira tory compromise postoperatively.