A six-month-old girl’s life was saved in Szeged

The modern medical field is constantly evolving, and the development of new methods can bring significant benefits to patients’ quality of life. Medical innovations not only offer new possibilities for adults but also for the youngest, such as newborns and infants. Procedures that were previously unavailable are now accessible and play an important role in pediatrics.

Various respiratory problems, such as laryngeal stenosis, can pose serious challenges for young patients and often require urgent medical intervention. Laryngeal stenosis is a condition in which the diameter of the larynx decreases, making it difficult to breathe and reducing oxygen intake. These issues can arise from various causes, and the treatment options encompass a wide spectrum. However, new methods provide the opportunity for children’s quality of life to improve significantly and to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Experts at the University of Szeged have developed unique solutions that are safe and effective even for the smallest patients. The aim of the innovative procedures is to help children regain normal breathing and lead a full life.

The significance of the new laryngeal surgery procedure

The new laryngeal surgical procedure developed at the University of Szeged’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery represents a revolutionary step in pediatrics. The procedure aims to provide a one-step solution for children suffering from inherited or acquired upper airway stenosis. The method is particularly noteworthy as it can already be applied to newborns and infants just a few weeks old.

In a recently performed procedure, a six-month-old Romanian girl underwent the intervention. Maria was born prematurely and developed laryngeal stenosis due to respiratory problems. Traditionally, tracheostomy was used to treat such conditions, which imposed significant limitations on the child’s life. The new procedure allows children to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation and live a normal, healthy life.

During the intervention, specialists not only address the stenosis but also consider the individual needs of the children. To ensure success, a multidisciplinary team works together, including pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals. This approach ensures that the highest level of care is provided to the patients.

The development and application of the method

The development of the laryngeal surgical procedure is the result of decades of work, during which specialists continuously researched the most appropriate solutions for children’s respiratory problems. Technological advancements and scientific research have greatly contributed to making the procedure available today and safely applicable to the smallest patients.

Prof. Dr. László Rovó, the rector of the University of Szeged, emphasized that continuous collaboration with other international experts and institutions has contributed to the method’s success. The new intervention has become recognized not only in Hungary but also internationally, changing the lives of many children.

During the intervention performed on the little girl, it was found that the airway stenosis was not only a consequence of a ring cartilage abnormality, but additional stenoses had also appeared in the lower sections of the airways. With the help of the new procedure, specialists successfully addressed these issues, and Maria can now breathe more freely.

The goal of the University of Szeged’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery is to continue the ongoing development of existing procedures to help as many children as possible with airway stenosis. They also aim to provide extensive opportunities in research and education for the future doctors.

The development and availability of the laryngeal surgical procedure offer new hope for children who have struggled with breathing difficulties, paving the way for future innovative solutions in pediatrics.