Supraglottoplasty

Also known as: supraglottoplasty, surgery for laryngomalacia.

What is supraglottoplasty?

Laryngomalacia is a disorder of the larynx in which the laryngeal cartilage is floppy and as a results collapses into the airway on inspiration causing obstruction and noisy breathing which is called stridor. Supraglottoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to treat moderate to severe laryngomalacia.

What happens during the procedure?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and through the mouth.  The surgeon carefully and selectively removes excess tissue in the larynx which opens up the airway and makes it easier for the patient to breathe.

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient will be instructed to avoid food, drink and medications prior to the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Occasionally, the patient will need to breathe using a breathing tube for a period of time after the procedure. Infection, bleeding, blood clots, continued breathing problems or damage to surrounding structures are potential risks of supraglottoplasty.


Reviewed by: Sandeep P Dave, MD

This page was last updated on: December 20, 2019 02:03 PM

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