Laser treatment of hemangiomas of the larynx and trachea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hemangiomas have a typical clinical course and may lead to life-threatening obstruction if the central respiratory tract is involved. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was observed in 32 children over a period of 20 years. The radiation parameters and application procedure of Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet-laser (Nd:YAG-laser) therapy were adjusted for the degree of obstruction and the type of disease. RESULTS: The success rate was 93.8%, of which a maximum of one application was sufficient in 24 children (75.0%). Subglottic cicatricial stenosis was considered a laser-related complication. CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG-laser treatment is a safe and effective therapeutic measure for eliminating respiratory tract obstruction caused by hemangiomas.