[Reconstructive laryngectomy].

Following a brief historical review of the sporadic attempts to improve the total laryngectomy, the author presents a technique for reconstructive laryngectomy. This technique should be restricted to one part of the cricoid and, according to certain modifications, to the free part of the epiglottis. Using these modifications, this technique allows the neck to be closed completely, thus avoiding a permanent tracheostomy. Relearning phonation and swallowing is spontaneous. Four cases are presented -- two successful. In the two failures, it was noted that one death was due to a hepatic deficiency and one to failure in relearning to swallow, which was attributable to senility.