Imbrication reconstruction following partial laryngectomy.

Experience over a 16-year period with 38 patients who underwent partial laryngectomy with imbrication reconstruction is reviewed. We have found this technique to be an expeditious and highly successful means of eradicating T1 or T2 glottic cancer. The use of the patient's own full-thickness, adjacent normal tissue with imbrication of cartilage produces an adequate airway, an almost normal-appearing larynx, and a remarkable posttreatment voice quality, better results than from most cordectomies or vertical hemilaryngectomies. It is valuable as a salvage procedure after full-course radiation. Imbrication laryngoplasty is an alternative and a preferred modality for treatment of young people with early glottic carcinoma for whom the possible carcinogenic properties of radiation must be considered. The survival results are comparable with the more extensive vertical laryngectomies.