Laryngeal keel for management of anterior glottic web in patient with ballistic injury to the glottis

Abstract

Penetrating neck trauma can result in life-threatening injuries to the airway and major vascular structures. Surgeons must also be cognizant that laryngeal injuries also require timely evaluation and management. Traumatic glottic injuries and laryngeal surgery are two possible causes of glottic stenosis which remains a serious clinical concern. Multiple different approaches and surgical techniques exist but there is no clear guidance in determining the optimal procedure. The use of a keel in the treatment of glottic webs was first described in the 1950s, but to our knowledge, this is the first report detailing endoscopic keel placement following penetrating glottic trauma involving the anterior commissure. The endoscopic approach is a useful modality for preventing glottic stenosis and avoids the need for open laryngofissure.

Keywords

• Glottic stenosis
• Laryngeal keel
• Endoscopic Keel
• Laryngeal trauma
• Penetrating trauma
• Preventing glottic stenosis