[The application of epiglottis and cervical anterior muscle to laryngeal reconstruction]

To evaluate the methods of reconstruction of laryngeal function after the extended laryngectomy.

The laryngeal functions were reconstructed after the extended laryngectomy performed on 22 cases with the laryngocarcinoma of T2 and T3 stages of glottic type, using epiglottis and cervical anterior muscle to reconstruct the laryngeal cavity and larynx bracket, from September 1998 to October 1999.

Twenty cases recovered normal swallow function in 20 days post-operation as well as the entire function of larynx was recovered, and the rate of decannulation was 90.9% (20/22). One case with pharyngeal fistula recovered a month later, but the other case recovered to normal diet by operation repaired. All the patients pronounced clearly and were able to keep the characteristics of their own voice. The fibred laryngoscope examination showed that the sphincter valves were formed at the larynx atrium in all postoperative cases. The rate of 3-year survival for T2 and T3 stages was 100% (9/9) and 92.3% (12/13), respectively.

The laryngeal cavity could be enlarged and the laryngeal atrium was reconstructed by employing epiglottis ifraplacement and cervical anterior muscle to reduce the tension of epiglottis and minimize the injury of the membrane as well as to overcome the shortcomings of insufficient material if mere employing epiglottis. The application of combined methods to reconstruct the laryngeal cavity is a practical way to restore the larynx function and improve the life quality.