International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group: Consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts can be controversial and varies across centers and surgeons. Using existing peer-reviewed literature to develop an expert-based consensus will help guide physicians in the treatment of these patients as well as develop research hypotheses to further study this condition.

Objective: To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts.

Methods: Determination of current expert- and literature-based recommendations, via a survey of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, using a modified Delphi method.

Setting: Multinational, multi-institutional, tertiary pediatric hospitals.

Results: Consensus recommendations include diagnostic workup, medical management, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative considerations for type I laryngeal clefts.

Conclusions: This guide on the diagnosis and management of patients with type I laryngeal clefts is aimed at improving patient care and promoting future hypothesis generation and research to validate the recommendations made here.