The application of the potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser in the management of subglottic hemangioma.

BACKGROUND

Subglottic hemangioma is the most common neoplasm of the infant airway. Most lesions involute spontaneously; however, some may grow to cause life-threatening respiratory tract distress. The standards of treatment have been tracheotomy, corticosteroids, and laser vaporization. However, use of the carbon dioxide laser has been associated with increased risk of damage to adjacent mucosa and an increased risk for the development of subglottic stenosis postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience with the use of the potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser in the treatment of subglottic hemangioma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 6 patients with subglottic hemangioma treated with the potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was carried out at a tertiary care children's hospital. Patients' medical charts were evaluated for factors such as age, sex, degree of airway obstruction, location of hemangioma, number of laser procedures performed, and postoperative results, including short- and long-term complications.

RESULTS

All 6 patients had significant relief of airway obstruction after use of the potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser. Five of the patients had localized disease, and one had circumferential subglottic involvement. The average number of procedures was 1.7. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient had prolonged intubation following surgery, and only one developed grade 1 subglottic stenosis requiring dilation. Long-term results have been promising in that all patients are asymptomatic and follow-up laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy have shown complete resolution of the hemangioma.

CONCLUSIONS

The potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser can be used to provide significant clinical relief of airway obstruction due to grade 1 and 2 subglottic hemangioma, with minimal complications.