Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Abstract

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, caused by the human papilloma virus, is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx in children. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is relatively rare, but it can have a significant impact on afflicted children and their family's quality of life as dysphonia and multiple surgical procedures are hallmarks of this disease. The current standard of care is surgical therapy with a goal of complete papilloma removal and preservation of normal structures. The technique in this atlas combines both the microdebrider and the pulse KTP laser. The microdebrider allows for rapid removal of bulky lesions without the risk of thermal injury, yet it cannot provide precise removal in areas such as the anterior commissure and ventricle. The pulse KTP laser allows for removal of sessile lesions and in sensitive areas such as the vocal folds. The authors describe this technique as well as discuss adjuvant therapies and pearls for success.