Case Report

An underreported complication of laryngeal microdebrider: Vocal fold web and granuloma: A case report†

  1. Melissa Mortensen MD1,*,
  2. Peak Woo MD, FACS2

Article first published online: 24 JUN 2009

DOI: 10.1002/lary.20563

Issue

The Laryngoscope

The Laryngoscope

Volume 119, Issue 9, pages 1848–1850, September 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Mortensen, M. and Woo, P. (2009), An underreported complication of laryngeal microdebrider: Vocal fold web and granuloma: A case report. The Laryngoscope, 119: 1848–1850. doi: 10.1002/lary.20563

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A.

  2. 2

    Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, U.S.A.

*University of Virginia Health System Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, PO Box 800713, Charlottesville, VA 22908

  1. †

    Presented as a poster presentation at the American Laryngological Association, Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A., May 28–31, 2009.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 27 AUG 2009
  2. Article first published online: 24 JUN 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 4 MAY 2009

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (107K)

Keywords:

  • Laryngeal microdebrider;
  • vocal fold web;
  • glottic web;
  • vocal fold granuloma

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The microdebrider has become a valuable instrument for otolaryngologists. It is now used in the larynx for treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, laryngeal stenosis, and debridement of large cancers for airway control. There are few reported complications reported with the use of the microdebrider in the larynx.

Study Design:

A case report.

Methods:

A patient with a vocal fold polyp underwent removal of the polyp with a microdebrider at an outside institution. He presented to our clinic 2 months after the excision with a severely strained near aphonic voice. On rigid stroboscopic examination we saw a large anterior commisure laryngeal web with a granuloma. This was repaired by granuloma excision, web lysis, buccal graft, and laryngeal stent placement.

Conclusions:

The microdebrider is an extremely valuable tool for the otolaryngologist. Violation of the epithelium and the lamina propria with muscle exposure can result in serious damage to the vocal folds. When using powered instrumentation the surgeon should use the upmost caution in the larynx to avoid causing debilitating injury and scar with subsequent dysphonia. Laryngoscope, 2009

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (107K)