Getting Down to Basics

Getting down to basics. One would think that I would have posted a little fact sheet 3 years ago when I started this blog??? But apparently I had too much other personal experience chitter chatter to share about Sloane's journey. LOL!! 

 

 

 

Let's talk Laryngeal Cleft facts:

 

 

What is laryngeal cleft?
Laryngeal cleft (fissure of the larynx) is a rare abnormality of the separation between the larynx, or voice box, and the esophagus. It appears 1 in every 10,000 to 20,000 births. It is more frequent in male births with a 5:3 ratio.

When the larynx develops normally it is completely separate from the esophagus, so swallowed foods go directly into the stomach.


 A laryngeal cleft creates an opening/gap between the larynx and the esophagus so food and liquid can pass through the larynx into the airway and then lungs. Laryngeal cleft causes swallowing problems. Coughing, gagging, frequent respiratory infections, and chronic lung disease are also symptoms of the disorder.



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The 4 Laryngeal Cleft Levels
Sloane's cleft was a level 2 almost a level 3.
Requiring not one, but 2 surgeries over time to close it fully.
Surgery one in March 2011 at 9 months of age.
Surgery two in May 2014 at 3 years 10 months.




 


Surgical Pictures from a cleft repair
Sloane's cleft surgeries have resembled these photos. Her surgeon
lasers the tissue surrounding the cleft and then sutures up the area with dissolvable
stitches. Her 2nd surgery on May 5, 2014 required 2 stitches closing up an area
the size of a tip of a pen. Her first surgery in March 2011 required 3-4 stitches.