Soft tissue response of the larynx to silicone, Gore-Tex, and irradiated cartilage implants

The aim of the study is to compare the efficiency of three different materials (Silicone, Gore-Tex, and irradiated cartilage) used in medialization laryngoplasty. Local tissue reaction to implants in laryngeal skeleton has been examined for this purpose.

In this prospective study, New Zealand rabbits were used. Different materials have been implanted in the paraglottic space of both sides of the larynx to enable a better comparison of the different materials used. Limited medialization was applied. Special care has been taken not to narrow the airway and cause breathing problems. The reaction of the tissue in this region against the materials used has been studied. Each material was implanted 14 times in total. The rabbits were killed 6 months after the implementation to study their larynx. For each material, the fibrous capsule formation, histiocyte infiltration, foreign body giant cell infiltration, eosinophil infiltration, neutrophil infiltration, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration levels were investigated histologically.

Best fibrous capsule formation has been observed around silicone. Allergic reactions and inflammatory responses were minimal for this material. Fibrous capsule formation was more limited with Gore-Tex. Some degree of chronic inflammatory response (in few cases) has been observed against this material. Severe allergic response was observed against irradiated cartilage, and the implant material was resorbed completely in most cases.

According to histopathologic results of this study (tissue compatibility of three materials), silicone is the most suited material among the study materials for medialization. Gore-Tex can also be used for this purpose. Irradiated cartilage, on the other hand, appears not to be a suitable material for medialization laryngoplasty.