Laryngeal Web

Children can be born with a laryngeal web, or it can be acquired as a scar between the vocal cords where they meet. Webs cause a partial airway obstruction and significant hoarseness. They can be associated with subglottic stenosis, and can also be associated with some genetic syndromes, like DiGeorge Syndrome.

Laryngeal webs without other airway narrowing can generally be repaired endoscopically (without an external incision), but sometimes need to be repaired through an incision in the neck. Webs that occur with a subglottic stenosis require repair of both at the same time, generally with an open approach through the neck.