[Surveillance and diagnosis of laryngeal burn].

OBJECTIVE

To explore early diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal burn, in order to prevent laryngeal obstruction, define the prevention of laryngemphraxis, and elect optimal time of treatment and appropriate treatment.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients suffering from laryngeal burn were repeatedly examined with a fiberlaryngoscope. Each part of the larynx was assessed for the degree of congestion, swelling, blister formation and impairment of laryngeal function, and the effects of these pathologies on breathing.

RESULTS

Our observations showed that classification of inhalation injury according to anatomical division could not reflect the severity of the injury. For this reason, every changes in each part of the larynx was analyzed. A classification consisting of 3 types of laryngeal injury was proposed in respect to 3 predisposing factors of laryngeal obstruction. This classification could serve as a guide for treatment.

CONCLUSION

A clearcut diagnosis of laryngeal inhalation injury is a pre-requisite for the choice of the correct treatment and the decision on the time for surgical intervention, thus laryngeal obstruction could be avoided, and death rate of early stage of inhalation injury could also be lowered.