抄録
We report 2 adult cases of inspiratory dyspnea caused by an epiglottal prolapse.
The first case was a 61-year-old man who was suffering from inspiratory dyspnea, especially while sleeping. A laryngofiberscopic examination revealed that the epiglottis was contacting the posterior pharyngeal wall during inspiration, causing airway obstruction. A partial epiglottectomy with a Holmium: YAG laser improved respiratory dystress during sleep.
The second case was a 60-year-old man who also suffered from dyspnea while sleeping. The laryngofiberscopic findings were the same as in the first case, and a partial epiglottectomy was also effectve for the dyspnea during sleep. A pathological examination revealed degeneration of the epiglottic cartilage
The Holmiun: YAG laser was useful in resecting the epiglottic cartilage in both cases.
