Centennial conference on laryngeal cancer papers. Primary laryngoplasty

A new procedure is described for the surgical reconstruction of the larynx following total laryngectomy. Postoperatively, the voice was as good as that resulting from Asai's laryngoplasty. Aspiration of fluid into the trachea was minimal. The procedure may be briefly summarized as follows: 1. The lateral portion of both thyroid cartilages are left in situ. 2. The posterior laryngeal wall is formed with the superior horns of the same cartilages. 3. The inner surface of the reconstructed larynx is lined by mucosal flaps from the hypopharynx. 4. The reconstructed larynx is firmly sutured to the base of the tongue. This procedure was employed in 19 cases with an extensive laryngeal carcinoma. In five of them healing was retarded by the formation of postoperative pharyngeal fistulas. All patients regained their voices and their ability to swallow.