Hypopharyngeal mucosal flap reconstruction in endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: Preservation of voice, swallowing and airway is mandatory in early to moderately advanced supraglottic cancers. Here, we propose an endoscopic laryngoplasty to improve swallowing recovery in patients treated by extended CO₂ laser supraglottic laryngectomy.

METHODS

We describe a new mucosal flap reconstruction technique in a cohort of seven laryngeal cancer patients with posterior extension, treated by CO₂ laser resection. Clinical endoscopic and videofluoroscopy postoperative exams were performed, and swallow function was tested by the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

No early complications were observed. Absence of aspiration after two days in all cases was confirmed, and MDADI mean value result was 98.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest the harvest of a hypopharyngeal mucosal flap in all patients who require a laryngeal supraglottic posterior resection, with or without arytenoidectomy.