The Application of the Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) Laser in the Management of Subglottic Hemangioma

Abstract

The potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser can be used to provide significant clinical relief of airway obstruction due to grade 1 and 2 subglottic hemangioma, with minimal complications.

KTP laser ablation of extensive tracheal hemangiomas

“…An abundance of medical and surgical approaches to the treatment of congenital subglottic hemangiomas has been advocated by different authors, including tracheotomy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, electrocautery, interfereon alfa-2a, sclerosing agents, corticosteroids, vincristine, embolization, open surgical excision and laser ablation [2]. A hint of consensus has emerged in the recent literature supporting open surgical excision (consisting of submucosal excision in conjunction with an anterior cricoid split) and laser ablation of subglottic hemangiomas in cases of (1) large airway hemangioma, diagnosed early and in the proliferative phase, (2) bilateral hemangiomas, (3) airway reduction greater than 50% and (4) extralaryngeal extension [3].…”

Endoscopic Nd:YAG laser therapy of infantile subglottic hemangioma

“…15 However, the reported complications (prolonged intubation, subglottic stenosis, scarring) and repeated procedures (mean: 1.7) cannot be ignored. 16 Transmural injury was also reported if the duration of the laser's application is excessive. 17 With laser surgery, hemorrhage is a frequent and dangerous complication, and its control is extremely important.…”

Otolaryngologic manifestations of PHACE syndrome

“…Systemic steroids, intubation, local steroid injection, tracheotomy, and laser resection have been reported with relatively good success rates for each, often using a combination of the above therapies [11][12][13][14]. Open surgical excision is another option in selected cases when more conservative management options fail.…”