Laryngeal suspension and epiglottic flap in laryngopharyngeal trauma.

Physicans treating laryngeal trauma are still looking for ways to improve results. Severe disruption of the supporting structures between hyoid and trachea may allow stretching and narrowing of the laryngeal lumen during the healing period. This can easily be prevented by placing wires across the disrupted zone. In addition, loss of the epithelial lining of the larynx is a serious cause of stenosis. By dissecting out the epiglottic cartilage, one can create a sizeable, useful flap of mucous membrane based in the vallecula to use in relining of the anterior larynx.