Vallecular cysts in the pediatric population

Vallecular cysts (VCs) are a rare clinical entity in infants. In this report, we discuss 4 infants presenting with respiratory and feeding problems caused by VCs. The diagnosis was established by awake flexible endoscopy and was confirmed and treated using direct laryngoscopy. Marsupialization, with cold steel microsurgical instruments, was performed in all cases. General anesthesia proved to be challenging. Of the 4 cases, 3 had coexisting laryngomalacia that resolved spontaneously over time. Histopathology confirmed the benign character of the cyst. In general, postoperative course after marsupialization was favorable with no recurrence of VC and the initial symptoms.