[Laryngomucoceles and subtotal C.H.E.P. reconstructive laryngectomy. Report of 6 cases].

UNLABELLED: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 131 patients who underwent subtotal CHEP laryngectomy for a tumor of the larynx between 1990 and 1999 in order to determine the incidence of laryngomucocele after surgery.

RESULTS

Five patients developed laryngomucocele late after surgery. A sixth patient underwent surgery in another unit. Laryngomucocele developed progressively or was disclosed by acute episodes of dyspnea, requiring tracheotomy again in two cases. One patient developed bilateral mucocele. Three patients had cervicotomy, and three others were treated by CO(2) laser endoscopic marsupialization.

DISCUSSION: We discuss the pathophysiology of late laryngomucocele after subtotal laryngectomy and various techniques that can be used to avoid this complication.

CONCLUSION

Although exceptional, laryngomucocele generally requires surgical removal by cervicotomy or CO(2) laser endoscopic marsupialization to prevent acute respiratory failure.