[Anterior approach for the surgical treatment of a laryngotracheoesophageal cleft].

Laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC) are rare and potentially lethal malformations. Their therapeutic approach is still controversial. We report on a one month old infant with a type III LTEC who presented with aspiration and was fed through an orogastric tube for three weeks. Rigid endoscopy assessed the defect precisely. A percutaneous transendoscopic gastrostomy was done one week before the one stage anterior translaryngeal approach of the defect with a two-layer repair. The patient was orotracheally intubated, sedated and relaxed for four days after the repair. Three years later, his larynx and esophagus function normally. Rigid endoscopy and an anterior translaryngeal surgical approach were helpful in his management.