Endoscopic management of laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal trauma

Laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal injuries are a relatively rare component of head and neck trauma; however, if not managed correctly, the consequences of these injuries can be life threatening. The early management of these injuries involves bedside endoscopic evaluation, often followed by formal endoscopy in the operating room. While many of these patients may require open surgical procedures, some of these injuries, and especially the long-term complications they cause, can be managed endoscopically. In this article, we will review various forms of endoscopic management of laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal injuries.