[Epiglottic anteversion in the etiology of globus pharyngeus and its surgical management].

OBJECTIVES To define the role of epiglottic anteversion in the etiology of globus pharyngeus (GP) and to evaluate the effectiveness of laser partial epiglottectomy in its treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four patients who admitted to our clinic between 2001 and 2003 with the complaint of GP underwent laryngoscopic examination, which revealed a structurally anteverted epiglottis that was in contact with the tongue base and vallecula. After ruling out other etiologic factors of GP, the patients were operated on under general anesthesia and laser partial epiglottectomy was carried out. In this procedure, the part of the epiglottis 1 cm from the free margin, forming the contact points with the tongue base and vallecula was excised with laser. RESULTS Three patients were symptom-free totally, while one patient reported a partial cure. CONCLUSION Epiglottic anteversion should be kept in mind in the etiology of GP. Laser partial epiglottectomy may be helpful in the treatment of selected cases.