Laryngeal Stenosis following Carbon Dioxide Laser in Subglottic Hemangioma; Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Recent reports recommend carbon dioxide laser as the safest and the most effective treatment for subglottic hemangioma in infants. Though one report mentions the development of a small amount of subglottic scarring in an 8-month-old girl after resection of a subglottic hemangioma, there is insufficient emphasis in the literature with respect to stenosis as a complication of CO2 laser therapy. The authors present three cases of severe laryngotracheal stenosis developing in infants treated with the CO2 laser for subglottic hemangioma. The presentation of these three cases should be a warning to the otolaryngologist that the use of the CO2 laser is not without significant risk of scar tissue formation.