Abstract Objective: To identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children evaluated by the pediatric aerodigestive program at the beginning of its activity, describe challenges in followup, and suggest mitigation strategies. Methods: A case series was conducted describing the first 25 patients discussed by the aerodigestive team from a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital between April 2019 and October 2020. The median follow-up was 37 months. Results: During the study period 25 children were seen by the group and the median age at first assessment was 45.7 months old. Eight children had a primary airway abnormality, five had a tracheostomy. Nine children had genetic disorders and one had esophageal atresia. Dysphagia was present in 80% of the patients, 68% had a history of chronic or recurrent lung disease, 64% had a gastroenterological diagnosis and 56% had neurological impairment. Moderate to severe dysphagia was identified in 12 children and 7 of these had an exclusive oral diet at the time. The majority of children (72%) had 3 or more comorbidities. Following team discussion, a change in feeding strategy was suggested in 56% of the children. The most frequently ordered exam was pHmetry (44%) and gastrostomy was the surgical procedure with the longest waiting list. Conclusions: Dysphagia was the most frequent issue encountered in this initial group of aerodigestive patients. Pediatricians caring for these children must be involved in aerodigestive team discussions and hospital policies must be revised to facilitate access to exams and procedures needed for this population.

Resumo Introdução: As membranas laríngeas congênitas são raras, podem estar associadas a outras anormalidades das vias aéreas e ser uma das muitas características da microdeleção 22q11. A avaliação cuidadosa é imprescindível na decisão de qual técnica cirúrgica deve ser usada. A escolha do stent apropriado pode ser decisiva para evitar sinéquia persistente da comissura anterior e maus resultados vocais. Objetivo: Relatar os resultados das abordagens cirúrgicas abertas e endoscópicas no tratamento das membranas laríngeas congênitas e os desafios que podem ser encontrados ao aplicar a classificação atual e decidir a melhor opção de tratamento. Método: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários médicos e cirúrgicos de membranas laríngeas congênitas tratadas em dois centros universitários terciários. Resultados: Sete pacientes foram incluídos, de acordo com a classificação de Cohen: três membranas do tipo II, uma delas com sinéquia posterior atípica, duas membranas do tipo III e duas membranas do tipo IV. Seis pacientes foram submetidos à reconstrução laringotraqueal e um foi tratado por abordagem endoscópica. Descrição precisa do envolvimento glótico e subglótico e opções cirúrgicas personalizadas são apresentadas. O stent utilizado foi o LT mold® e o período variou entre 40 e 60 dias. Todos os pacientes foram decanulados com boa qualidade de voz e o seguimento foi superior a um ano, não houve complicações associadas às cirurgias. Conclusão: As membranas laríngeas congênitas devem ser suspeitadas e avaliadas minuciosamente na presença de disfonia neonatal e laringite de início precoce. Os otorrinolaringologistas devem estar familiarizados com lesões associadas e condições genéticas que podem estar associadas a membranas laríngeas congênitas. As membranas laríngeas congênitas são tratadas com sucesso em idades precoces. A escolha da técnica cirúrgica após avaliação meticulosa dos componentes glóticos e subglóticos da membrana, presença de lesões concomitantes e uso do stent adequado é imprescindível para evitar cicatrizes persistentes e má qualidade da voz.

Abstract Introduction: Congenital laryngeal webs are rare, may be associated with other airway abnormalities and be one of many features of microdeletion 22q11. Meticulous evaluation is imperative when deciding which surgical technique to use. The choice of appropriate stenting may be decisive to avoid persistent anterior commissure synechia and poor voice results. Objective: To report outcomes for endoscopic and open surgical approaches in the treatment of congenital laryngeal webs and the challenges one may encounter while applying the current classification and deciding for the best treatment option. Methods: Retrospective review of medical and surgical charts for congenital laryngeal webs treated in two tertiary university centers. Results: Seven patients were included; following Cohen’s classification there were: three type II webs, one of them with an atypical posterior synechia, two type III webs and two type IV webs. Six patients were submitted to laryngotracheal reconstruction and one was treated with an endoscopic approach. Description of precise glottic and subglottic involvement and tailored surgical options are presented. The LT mold® stent was used for long-term stenting that varied between 40 to 60 days. All patients were successfully decannulated with good voice quality and after follow-up of over one year, there were no complications associated with the surgeries. Conclusion: Congenital laryngeal webs should be suspected and thoroughly evaluated in the presence of neonatal dysphonia and early onset of laryngitis. Otolaryngologists must be familiar with associated lesions and genetic conditions that may be associated to congenital laryngeal webs. Congenital laryngeal webs may be successfully treated at an early age. The correct choice of surgical technique after meticulous evaluation of glottic and subglottic components of the web, presence of concomitant lesions and appropriate stenting, is imperative to avoid persistent scarring and poor voice quality.