Endoscopic pharyngolaryngoplasty: A case report

Any technique that allows decannulation of tracheostomy-dependent patients relieves their discomfort and reduces health costs.

We present the case of a 70-year-old tracheostomy-dependent patient with pharyngolaryngeal stenosis and a history of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer in remission for 13years and multiple decannulation failures. Endoscopic pharyngolaryngoplasty was performed using reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery techniques, allowing permanent decannulation. Endoscopic sutures secured by clips were performed to remodel the pharyngolarynx and prevent recurrence of synechiae.

Endoscopic surgery of the pharynx and larynx was initially developed for resection of small tumours. Reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery has been developed more recently. One of the objectives of this surgery is to reconstruct the pharyngolarynx to treat functional sequelae following surgery and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It allows reconstruction of the upper airways to restore mouth breathing in tracheostomy-dependent patients, thereby facilitating permanent decannulation.