Congenital laryngeal webs: from diagnosis to surgical outcomes

A Laryngeal Web with Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula: Anaesthesiologist Skating on a Thin Ice

“…In our case, the laryngeal web was like a thin membrane, so we were able to dilate it using serial dilators. However, thicker and more extensive webs often have subglottic cartilaginous involvement which cannot be dilated using these dilators and require emergency tracheostomy to secure the airway (9).…”

Congenital Laryngeal Web in Adult Female: Impromptu & Incidental

“…Congenital glottis webs arise due to failure of recanalization of the primitive larynx that usually occurs between 8-10 weeks of embryogenesis. Congenital anterior laryngeal web is a part of the spectrum of this developmental defect mostly, laryngeal atresia [1,4]. There are possibilities of other congenital malformations to occur simultaneously along with this condition such as subglottic stenosis, tracheo-oesophageal fistula and few cardiovascular anomalies although in some cases the web is found isolated [5].…”

“…They arise due to failure of recanalization of the primitive larynx which should usually occur between 8 to 10 weeks of embryogenesis. Clinical manifestations vary according to the extent of glottic involvement and obstruction [1][2][3]. Shorter webs accounts to dysphonia while larger webs needless to say causes airway compromise, which is an emergency.…”

Neonatal Airway Abnormalities

“…Laryngeal webs can lead to stridor in the first months of life, although patients diagnosed later than the neonatal period have been reported [ 40 , 41 ]. Other presentations of laryngeal web include dysphonia presenting as a weak cry, early laryngitis, and respiratory distress [ 42 ]. Infants with congenital laryngeal webs should be evaluated for chromosomal and cardiovascular abnormalities as chromosome 22q11 deletion syndromes have an increased incidence of laryngeal web [ 43 ].…”

“…Type III webs have 50–75% glottic involvement, and type IV webs have 75–90% glottic involvement [ 44 ]. Surgical management varies with the severity, and types III and IV webs may require tracheostomy during the first few days or months of life [ 42 ].…”