[Critical review of the therapy of juvenile laryngeal papillomas].

At present no causal method is known for the treatment of juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx, which is probably caused by a virus. The data of 627 patients compiled between 1944-1982 and published in 32 reports, showed no significant preponderance of any of the three most frequently applied methods of treatment (excision including suction diathermy, destruction via laser beams and ultrasonic application). Our own observations showed that after an average of three operations by means of suction diathermy, a recurrence-free period of more than three years was achieved in 54.4% of the children (n = 16) and in 72.2% of the adults (n = 30). Improvement in the treatment of papillomas is due only to the definite reduction in tracheotomies and in cicatrization of the larynx.