Abstract
Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC) is a rare inborn anomaly, where the respiratory and swallowing pathways are not separated and in the middle line there is a defect of different extent in the area of posterior wall of larynx, trachea and anterior wall of pharynx and esophagus. The aim of surgical intervention is to divide aerodigestive compartments into two functional tracts without the need of dependence on tracheostomy, with the possibility of phonation and prevention of swallowing difficulties.
In the period of 1999-2009 the authors operated on four children with LTER of the type III classification according to Benjamin and Iglis at the Ear, Nose and Neck Clinic, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University and Teaching Hospital Motol in collaboration with the Clinic of Child Surgery of the same location. In most cases the authors selected the external anterior cervical approach with interposition of the graft.
In the postoperative period the authors encountered complications in one patient, specifically the respiratory insufficiency caused by tracheomalacia. A successful therapy of LTER depends on early diagnosis, prevention of aspiration and gastroesophageal reflux, adequate nutrition and a timely surgical intervention.