Dr. Hamdy El-Hakim

A laryngeal cleft is a developmental abnormality in which the connection between the larynx and the esophagus remains patent. Assessment of the patient with laryngeal cleft includes physical examination, FEES, and for those with more severe symptoms, direct laryngoscopy with bronchoscopy (DLB). This article covers laryngeal cleft types, symptoms, and workup.

Type I laryngeal cleft is a connection between the esophagus and the larynx that stops above the level of the true vocal folds. Options for type I laryngeal cleft repair include thickened feeds, injection laryngoplasty, and surgery. Interested in learning more? Keep reading.