Epiglottic laryngoplasty after extended hemilaryngectomy for glottic cancer

This paper reports the experience in the application of modified epiglottic laryngoplasty in 20 extended hemilaryngectomies for glottic carcinoma. The Kambic-Sedlacek-Tucker (K-S-T) technique using the epiglottis in glottic reconstruction can lead to early decannulation with an excellent airway, but a wide glottis formed after operation will increase the chance of aspiration and poor voice. Sphincteric function preservation of the glottis is a key point to success in partial laryngectomy. In order to prevent aspiration and to improve the quality of voice, the reconstructive technique as modified as follows: (1) Lateral margin of the epiglottis was sutured to the cricoid. (2) The superior edge of the epiglottis was lowered to reconstruct the ventricular band. (3) A cut was made at the anterior aspect of the epiglottis to reconstruct the anterior commissure. It is the experience of the authors that modified epiglottic laryngoplasty is better than the K-S-T technique for preservation of laryngeal function after extended hemilaryngectomy.