Microdebrider removal of tracheal papilloma via tracheostomy in the child with an obliterated larynx

In children, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is the most common benign neoplasm of the airway. The disease frequently involves the larynx and may spread to extralaryngeal sites. Use of a microdebrider has been suggested as a safe and low-cost technique which reduces operating time, compared with laser removal of laryngeal lesions. We describe a technique for using a microdebrider to remove tracheal papillomas when the larynx is obliterated with the disease.