Chryotherapy in the Treatment of Subglottic Hemangioma in Infants

Abstract

Congenital laryngeal hemangioma in infants is situated typically in the subglottic region and causes respiratory obstruction at the age of 1-6 months. Hitherto fewer than one hundred cases have been reported. The mortality has been high and the therapy problematic. As a primary measure, tracheotomy must be performed. In the treatment of the tumour itself, large doses of corticosteroids, sclerosing agents, radiotherapy and surgical removal have been used. The results have hardly been encouraging. In five cases we have utilized cryotherapy. The hemangioma disappeared after 3-6 sessions. No therapeutic or late complications were connected with this mode of therapy.