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Airway interruption in encephalopathic children: A clinical and histological analysis
Author(s) -
Eavey Roland D.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198512000-00004
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , cord , closure (psychology) , airway , gratification , airway obstruction , histopathology , general surgery , psychology , pathology , social psychology , economics , market economy
Severe, incessant aspiration can be a most troublesome sequel to the already tragic problem of a vegetative mental state in a previously normal child. Three patients, aged 2 to 4 years, underwent surgery to treat their aspiration. A different type of procedure was used for each patient: cord closure combined with an epiglottic flap, cord closure alone, and a laryngeal stent. Laryngeal histopathology of a case is presented for the first time; findings suggest that the theoretical reversibility of that particular type of procedure could prove formidable. Clinically, the immediate cessation of aspiration has provided all parents and health care personnel with a surprising sense of gratification and has enabled each child to be transferred to a less‐costly care facility or to home.