Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a 10 year study

Abstract

Sixty cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in both children and adults treated over a 10 year period were reviewed. An unexpected finding was that nine of the 60 patients (15 per cent) had symptoms by two months of age; an earlier onset than previously described. The control rate was 66 per cent for paediatric onset patients and 44 per cent with adult onset; the former required more operations. No anaesthetic deaths or complications were encountered. Glottic webs were the only surgical complication. The findings confirm that there is no relationship between puberty and the rate of control or recurrence. The necessity for precise and comprehensive endoscopic examination of the upper aerodigestive tract using a range of endoscopes and rigid telescopes under general anaesthetic is emphasized.