Transoral holmium YAG laser resection of the superior thyroid cornu: a novel approach in the management of superior thyroid cornu syndrome.

This case report details a pioneering approach to the treatment of superior thyroid cornu syndrome (STCS), a condition characterised by dysphagia and globus sensation due to anatomical variations in the thyroid cartilage, often leading to significant patient discomfort and misdiagnosis.A male patient in his 50s, presenting with a persistent sensation of a lump in his throat and difficulty swallowing without associated pain or systemic symptoms, underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup that included flexible nasoendoscopy, MRI, contrast swallow, and CT scans, revealing a medially displaced superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage. Traditional surgical interventions offered limited precision and potential for soft tissue trauma.This report introduces the use of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser for transoral resection of the affected cartilage, a technique more commonly associated with urological and salivary stone treatments. This innovative application resulted in successful symptom resolution without significant complications, highlighting the Ho:YAG laser's efficacy and safety for STCS treatment and encouraging further exploration of its use in otolaryngology.