Pediatric Laryngeal Cleft Surgery
What is a Laryngeal Cleft?
A laryngeal cleft is a rare abnormality of the separation between the larynx, or voice box, and the esophagus and originally thought to occur in less than <1 % of the population, this abnormality is being seen more often in children with swallowing disorders.
When this is identified, if your child has symptoms, they may require a procedure
(Both of these are performed through the mouth, with no outside skin incisions (cuts))
INJECTION:
Often these abnormalities can be treated easily with an injection of a non-toxic filler (hydroxylapatite) to simply fill the cleft and stop saliva, food or liquid from entering the voice box and wind-pipe. This procedure commonly takes under 15 minutes but the child does stay in the hospital for at least one night for monitoring after. The filler lasts for up to 3-6 months and often after this time the child has re-learned the proper way to swallow or has grown out of this problem. Not all children respond to this treatment and may require a bigger surgery.
SURGICAL REPAIR:
For children with deeper clefts, who have not benefitted from injection or who have benefitted from injection but now the injection has dissolved we can perform a permanent repair. This surgery requires the child to have stitches placed behind their voice-box to permanently close the separation. For this procedure the child will typically stay in the hospital for 1 – 2 days. There is no external/ skin cut made for this surgery.
Ready to Talk About Laryngeal Cleft Surgery for Your Child?
Our pediatric ENT specialists provide expert evaluation and treatment for laryngeal clefts, including minimally invasive injection therapy and surgical repair tailored to your child’s needs. You can request an appointment today or find a location near you for specialized care across Michigan.
Explore more about the common problems we treat and the surgeries we perform.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment options. Surgical decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare team based on your specific condition and needs.
