Anterior glottic webs

Abstract

Anterior glottic webs can have a significant negative impact on patient quality-of-life. Anterior glottic webs can be classified as either congenital or acquired. Any process that leads to the disruption of mucosal integrity on the anterior aspect of both vocal folds may ultimately lead to an anterior glottic web. Improving a patient...s breathing or voice are the primary indications to fix a glottic web. Due to the risk of worsening the anterior glottic web with surgery, only symptomatic patients should be treated. There is a long list of procedures aimed at correcting anterior glottic webs. The variety of surgeries speaks to their unfortunately high failure rate. Broadly speaking, anterior glottic webs may be treated through an open or endoscopic surgical approach. This chapter discusses the more common endoscopic approaches. Coupled with appropriate post-operative care, anterior glottic webs can be successfully treated and patient quality-of-life improved.