Tracheostomy, lingular tonsillectomy and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Laser resection of lingual tonsils and formal closure of a tracheostomy improved the airway in a 14-yr-old patient with Down's syndrome. Non-invasive airway support to treat obstructive sleep apnoea was postponed with this treatment. During the anaesthetic a laryngeal mask airway was used to support the airway after lingual tonsillectomy, to assess the suitability of defunctioning the tracheostomy. Laryngeal mask airways assist management of lingual tonsils. Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy can lead to obstructive sleep disorders.