Surgical treatment of a case of adult epiglottic laryngomalacia

Introduction: Adult laryngomalacia is rare. It may be idiopathic or secondary to trauma or degenerative disease.

Case report: A 25-year-old man presented with inspiratory dyspnea on effort of several months' evolution. Flexible endoscopy found epiglottic laryngomalacia, managed by CO2 laser V-shaped partial epiglottectomy.

Discussion: Excessive resection of the epiglottis may lead to false passage; insufficient resection risks being ineffective. V-shaped partial epiglottectomy minimizes risk of false passage while ensuring permanent respiratory airflow via the epiglottic V during epiglottic movement.