Laryngeal trauma

Abstract

Laryngeal trauma is a potentially life-threatening injury resulting in airway compromise. We favor an emergency tracheostomy as the ideal procedure to establish the airway in patients with severe airway compromise. Management of laryngeal injuries is usually determined by a flexible laryngeal examination at the bedside. A CT scan should be obtained in patients with moderate severity of injury in which a CT scan will alter management or aid in planning the surgical approach. Airway outcomes are usually excellent allowing the patient to be decannulated. However, voice outcomes are frequently suboptimal.