Extremely rare. Presence of a fibrous band that runs from the posterior wall of the nasopharynx to the side edge of the larynx or epiglottis. Agenesis of the homolateral tonsil is often observed. Symptoms vary depending on the size of the bands: upper airway obstruction, feeding difficulties, swallowing disorders or almost asymptomatic.

Anesthetic implications:

difficult intubation depending on the size of the band(s); these can be difficult to diagnose and be interpreted as a short epiglottis. A tracheotomy can be necessary. Supraglottic devices can be difficult to introduce

References : 

-        Gerson CR, Tansek K, Tucker GF.
Pharyngolaryngeal web: report of a new anomaly.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1983; 92: 331-2

-        Fayoux P, Vachin F, Merrot O, Chevalier D, Robert Y.
Congenital pharyngolaryngeal band : report of an unusual case of respiratory distress.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2003 ; 67 : 1379-81

-        Pirat A, Candan S, Unlukaplan A, Komurcu O, Kuslu S, Arslan G.
Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy for airway management in a newborn with Pierre-Robin syndrome and a glossopharyngeal web.
Resp Care 2012; 57: 627-30.

-        Basak O, Basak S, Doger FK.
Benign lateral pharyngeal band pathologies as a cause of sore throat.
Saudi Med J. 2006; 27: 725-6.

-        Robbins A, Zarate YA, Hartzell LD.
Combined tongue-palate fusion with alveolar bands in a patient with Pierre Robin sequence and Van der Woude syndrome.
Cleft Palate-Craniofac J 2019 ; 56 : 123-6

Updated: January 2019