Evaluation of the efficacy of supraglottoplasty in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome associated with severe laryngomalacia

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and polysomnographic evolution of patients with severe laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Seven children with severe laryngomalacia. Main Outcome Measures: The patients were evaluated with a questionnaire given to their parents and with polysomnographic examination before and 3 months after surgery. The clinical data of respiratory and swallowing symptoms as well as the parameters of minimum oxygen saturation and respiratory disturbance index were evaluated after bilateral supraglottoplasty and compared with the preoperative data. Results: Two patients had pharyngolaryngomalacia and required tracheotomy. Four patients had a marked improvement of respiratory and deglutition symptoms. Polysomnographic data showed a significant improvement in the respiratory disturbance index after surgery (P < 05) but not in the minimum oxygen saturation level. However, this improvement was only partially achieved in 3 patients, in whom there were associated airway or neurologic changes. No serious surgical complications were observed. Conclusion: Supraglottoplasty led to a marked improvement in all 5 patients without pharyngolaryngomalacia, but the 2 patients with pharyngolaryngomalacia required tracheotomy.