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This is a very common operation that we frequently do at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford’s Aerodigestive and Airway Reconstruction Center.
The procedure is done to correct airway problems, in particular to treat laryngomalacia. Some babies are born with this condition, which causes floppy tissue on top of the larynx to fall into the airway when a child breathes in, causing noisy breathing (called stridor).
When babies have laryngomalacia, they may also have associated feeding, swallowing, and reflux problems that can affect their growth. The surgery can greatly improve breathing, eating, and sleeping.
Parents of children with laryngomalacia may be told that their baby will never be able to eat or that they need a tracheotomy. However, we find that this is almost never the case. Babies generally outgrow this condition, so our focus is often on keeping young children safe and healthy until they outgrow the problem. About 40% of our patients only need to be followed closely through our clinic. Another 40% of children need medication treatment to reduce acid production to control reflux, which allows them to feed and breathe more easily. Only about 20% need a surgery called supraglottoplasty.
We are pleased to give second opinions to parents who are looking at treatment options for their child.
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