Endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy: a proposal for a classification by the working committee on nomenclature, European Laryngological Society

In July 1999, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) has accepted a proposal for the classification of different laryngeal endoscopic cordectomies. This is actually a common classification system used as a tool for surgical training, documentation and comparison of results. The same harmonization work is deemed necessary for the treatment of supraglottic lesions. The ELS is proposing a classification of the different laryngeal endoscopic supraglottic partial laryngectomies. This classification comprises four types of supraglottic laryngectomies: Type I, limited excision of small size superficial lesions of the free edge of the epiglottis, the ary-epiglottic fold, the arytenoid, or the ventricular fold or any other part of the supraglottis; Type II, medial supraglottic laryngectomy without resection of the pre-epiglottic space, suitable for T1 lesions of either the suprahyoid or the infrahyoid laryngeal surface of the epiglottis (Type IIa, superior hemi-epiglottectomy or Type IIb, total epiglottectomy, respectively); Type III, medial supraglottic laryngectomy with resection of the pre-epiglottic space, suitable for T1–T2 tumors of the infrahyoid endolaryngeal epiglottis without (Type IIIa) or with (Type IIIb) extension to the ventricular fold, necessitating its excision; finally, Type IV, lateral supraglottic laryngectomy, suitable for tumors of the threefolds’ region, which may include the ventricular fold (Type IVa) or the arytenoid (Type IVb), when involved. As in the cases of endoscopic cordectomies, these operations are similarly classified according to the surgical approach used and the degree of resection completed in order to facilitate their use in daily clinical practice.     

Thyeoid cartilage flap reconstruction of the larynx following vertical partial laryngectomy: An interim report

A supraglottic thyroid cartilage flap was used to reconstruct vertical partial laryngectomy defects in seven patients, including three radiation failures. Local control was maintained in six of seven patients, with one radiation failure recurring in the subglottis and anterior neck skin. Reconstructively, the radiation failures healed more slowly, but all patients were decannulated in 1 to 4 weeks with normal deglutition. The majority of the ipsilateral arytenoid was preserved in two patients. In the first case, the thyroid cartilage flap was shortened and sutured to the cut surface of the arytenoid. This patient later developed laryngeal stenosis. In the second case, a muscle flap was used to reconstruct the cord, and the thyroid cartilage flap was used externally. This was successful, and we prefer this modification of the Bailey procedure when the arytenoid is preserved.     

保留杓状软骨喉次全切除喉功能重建的体会

目的　探讨应用保留杓状软骨的喉次全切除喉功能重建术治疗T3 喉癌 (声门及声门上型 )的拔管率和 3、5年生存率。方法　对 2 0例T3 级喉癌 ,其中声门型 3例 (T3 N0 M0 )、声门上型 17例(T3 N1 M0 5例 ,T3 N0 M0 12例 ) ,根据病变范围行保留单侧或双侧杓状软骨喉次全切除及功能重建术 ,并设计环咽吻合术式。结果　 3、5年生存率分别为 16/ 17(94 1% )和 11/ 12 (91 8% )。全部患者均恢复了吞咽和发音功能 ,拔管率为 95 0 %。结论　保留杓状软骨喉次全切除及功能重建术是治疗T3 喉癌的一种很好术式。手术的关键是不能损伤杓状软骨及喉返神经 ,设计好环咽吻合方案。     

保留杓状软骨喉次全切除喉功能重建的体会

探讨应用保留杓状软骨的喉次全切除喉功能重建术治疗Ｔ３喉癌的拔管率和３、５年生存率。方法对２０例Ｔ３级喉癌,其中声门型３例,声门上型１７例,根据病变范围行保留单侧或双侧杓状软骨喉次全切除及功能重建术,并设计环咽吻合术式。     

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy

The supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidopexy (CHP) is an alternative to total laryngectomy in the treatment of selected glottic and supraglottic cancers. It consists of the resection of the true cords, false cords, thyroid cartilage and epiglottis, while the cricoid cartilage and at least one of the two arytenoid cartilages are spared. Reconstruction is performed by securing the cricoid cartilage to the hyoid bone. Careful patient selection is of paramount importance for the success of this procedure. In general, the indications for SCPL with CHP include selected supraglottic and glottic tumors that do not involve the subglottis or the arytenoid cartilages. When properly performed, the speech and swallowing function is preserved in a high percentage of patients. The specific indications and the surgical technique are presented here.     

CHEP with the total removal of the arytenoid on the tumor-bearing side

A supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) consists of the resection of the whole thyroid cartilage and paraglottic space, while preserving the cricoid cartilage, the hyoid bone, most of the epiglottis and the arytenoids. Laryngeal reconstruction is achieved be suturing the cricoid cartilage and the hyoid bone. This procedure is mainly indicated for large T2 glottic carcinomas and provides a complete resection and laryngeal preservation without requiring a permanent tracheostomy. Although bilateral arytenoids are usually preserved to ensure better laryngeal function after CHEP, we unavoidably had to remove the arytenoid on the tumor-bearing side during a complete resection performed in a 56-year-old male with a rT2 tumor who had undergone radiation and demonstrated impaired vocal fold motion. Despite the resection of one arytenoid, the final laryngeal function proved to be satisfactory. CHEP should be utilized as an alternative surgical modality for conventional vertical partial laryngectomies or total laryngectomies. CHEP with the total removal of the arytenoid on the tumor-bearing side may be a useful laryngeal preservation procedure for the treatment of patients with glottic carcinoma associated with an impaired vocal fold motion or a fixed vocal fold.     

Ten-year experience with cervical miniesophagostomy

This report describes our experience with 35 patients who underwent intraoperative transcutaneous cervical miniesophagostomy (TCME) during conservation laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal surgery. The TCME was designed to provide enteral alimentation without the need for a nasogastric tube. Nasogastric tubes may cause posterior laryngeal inflammation, granulations, muscle damage, and vocal cord immobility. Friction between nasogastric and tracheotomy tubes may result in damage to the remaining posterior larynx and may delay healing, oral feeding, and decannulation. Percutaneous endoscopic or radiologically assisted gastrostomy is a possible solution. However, it requires time, special expertise, and coordination with other specialties. In addition, immediate and delayed abdominal complications may occur. The TCME is a relatively simple and quick procedure that is performed during the primary cancer surgery by the head and neck surgeon. It requires no special equipment. It takes about 5 minutes to perform and, if done correctly with tunneling under the skin flaps, is associated with minimal or no postoperative morbidity. It is useful after supraglottic laryngectomy, partial laryngectomy, partial laryngopharyngectomy, and base of tongue resection, and in selected cases of vertical hemilaryngectomy and anterolateral laryngectomy. In the last group, we found that TCME is required if the arytenoid cartilage is removed and the posterior aspect of the larynx is disrupted. There were only minor complications related to TCME. Leakage from the miniesophagostomy did not occur, primarily because of the superior-to-inferior orientation of the tube and the long subplatysmal tunneling before esophageal entrance.     

Useful landmarks in arytenoid adduction and laryngeal reinnervation surgery

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the location of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and the recurrent laryngeal nerve is essential to performing a successful arytenoid adduction and laryngeal reinnervation surgery. We describe external landmarks useful in locating these structures. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric laryngeal dissection. METHODS: Posterior laryngeal dissection was performed in 16 human larynges. The position of the muscular process of the arytenoid was measured bilaterally relative to the inferior and superior borders of the thyroid lamina. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was followed distally from slightly below the level of the cricothyroid joint to its genu where its vertical course changes to an oblique intralaryngeal course. RESULTS: The muscular process of the arytenoid was usually found halfway between the roots of the superior and inferior cornu of the thyroid lamina. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was found just deep to the cricothyroid joint and lateral to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. There were no other nerves in this area. CONCLUSIONS: This study finds that the superior and inferior borders of the thyroid lamina are useful intraoperative landmarks to locate the muscular process of the arytenoid. The cricothyroid joint provides a good starting point to locate the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can be identified slightly deeper between it and the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.     

切除杓状软骨的喉垂直部分切除术中的残喉修复

目的探讨切除杓状软骨的喉垂直部分切除术残喉的修复方法。方法总结1991年1月—2000年12月87例(T1、12和，13分别有7、54和26例)声门型喉癌的疗效。因杓区或杓状软骨声带突受累，行切除杓状软骨的喉垂直部分切除术，术中利用局部组织修复残喉，重建喉功能。全部病例均未行填充物加高患侧杓区或利用皮瓣等其他组织重建声门。结果全部病例术后8～19d内恢复正常饮食。全部病例恢复了发音功能。86例患者拔除气管套管，拔管率为98，9％(86／87)。术后无咽瘘和肺部并发症，3例局部感染者7d内治愈。术后局部复发率为8，0％(7／87)，颈部淋巴结转移率为6．9％(6／87)。失访患者均按死亡计算，用直接法计算生存率，术后满3年者87例，3年内死亡5例、失访3例，3年生存率为90，8％(79／87)；术后满5年者63例，5年内死亡10例、失访2例，5年生存率为81．0％(51／63)。结论利用局部组织修复切除杓状软骨的喉垂直部分切除术的残喉，术后无严重误咽，发音效果良好，此修复方法既节约了手术时间，又避免了过度修复可能带来的负面影响。     

Arytenoid adduction: controlling vertical position

In flaccid laryngeal paralysis, the vocal process (VP) is displaced laterally and superiorly. The arytenoid adduction procedure (AA) moves the VP medially and caudally, closing the glottic gap. However, clinical evidence suggests that the VP is more caudal after AA than in physiological phonation. The neurally intact arytenoid is supported by tonic and phonatory activity of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA). We hypothesize that a posterior anchoring suture could replace PCA support, achieving a more natural VP location. Cadaver larynges were scanned with computed tomography at rest and after AA, alone or in combination with a second arytenoid suture anchored to either the posterior midline cricoid (PC) or the inferior thyroid cornu (IC). Each posterior suture reduced caudal displacement of the VP during AA, but the glottic gap was wider with the PC suture. In 3 patients undergoing AA for laryngeal paralysis, the IC suture improved arytenoid posture and voice quality.     

喉声门上水平部分切除术的术式改良

目的探讨喉声门上水平部分切除术的手术方法改良及远期疗效。方法回顾并分析了我科1983～2001年喉声门上型癌172例,男149例,女23例。进行喉声门上水平部分切除后不将喉上提,不做残喉与舌骨或舌根的吻合。结果气管套管拔除率为92．4％,吞咽功能142例在2～4周内恢复,发音功能良好。3年存活率为82．6％;5年存活率为75．7％。结论喉肿瘤切除后,改变缝合方法,不仅操作简单,又能保留良好的生理功能。     

Hypopharyngeal mucosal flap reconstruction in endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy

Purpose

Preservation of voice, swallowing and airway is mandatory in early to moderately advanced supraglottic cancers. Here, we propose an endoscopic laryngoplasty to improve swallowing recovery in patients treated by extended CO₂ laser supraglottic laryngectomy.

Methods

We describe a new mucosal flap reconstruction technique in a cohort of seven laryngeal cancer patients with posterior extension, treated by CO₂ laser resection. Clinical endoscopic and videofluoroscopy postoperative exams were performed, and swallow function was tested by the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire.

Results

No early complications were observed. Absence of aspiration after two days in all cases was confirmed, and MDADI mean value result was 98.

Conclusions

We suggest the harvest of a hypopharyngeal mucosal flap in all patients who require a laryngeal supraglottic posterior resection, with or without arytenoidectomy.     

Plattenepithelkarzinome an der vorderen Kommissur

Summary Sixty-one glottic and 57 supraglottic advanced carcinomas of the larynx were investigated histologically by serial coronal sections. Twenty-nine glottic cancers spreading out more horizontally also rose from the anterior commissure. Seven supraglottic and 24 glottic carcinomas with a vertical extension to the sub- or supraglottic space involved the anterior commissure or the anterior subglottic wall secondary. After a short introduction in the actually known principles of the anatomy of laryngeal cancer the behaviour of squamous cell carcinomas at the anterior commissure was reported.Carcinomas of the anterior commissure have a high tendency to involve the anterior subglottic wall. Tumour growth in this area is the most important condition for penetration of the laryngeal framework. Nearly all these cancers broke through the lower frontal ossified part of the thyroid cartilage without or including the cricothyroid membrane. Therefore glottic cancers with subglottic spread also preferred this direction to the prelaryngeal space. The importance of further histological findings for the technique of partial laryngectomy is discussed.More than the half of the investigated carcinomas were treated by a planned preoperative irradiation of 3.000 rad. By comparison with the posterior region the frontal areas of these tumours showed microscopically a lower visible response to the radiotherapy. In our opinion this indicates that radiation failure in carcinomas of the anterior commissure is caused by the usually applied cross field radiation technique.     

喉部分切除术173例疗效观察

目的 :探讨喉部分切除术治疗喉癌的疗效。方法 :1 73例喉癌患者均行喉部分切除术 ,其中垂直半喉切除术 4 9例 ,水平半喉切除术 39例 ,额侧切除术 4例 ,保留会厌及甲状软骨板后 1 /3的扩大喉切除术 4 7例 ,喉近全切除术 (Pearson手术 ) 1 7例 ,喉近全切除环舌根吻合术 1 7例。结果 :1 6 8例恢复发音功能 ,1 4 5例 3个月内拔除气管套管。 3、5年生存率分别为 79.77%、6 9.94 % ,局部复发率为 1 8.5 0 %。结论 :进行喉部分切除一定要严格掌握各种术式的适应证 ,正确选择术式。在重建喉时 ,尽量恢复喉的发音、括约保护及呼吸功能     

Supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy: a partial laryngeal procedure for selected supraglottic and transglottic carcinomas

The partial horizontal supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy consists of resection of the whole thyroid cartilage and paraglottic space, as well as the epiglottis and the whole pre-epiglottic space. The cricoid cartilage, the hyoid bone, and at least one arytenoid cartilage are spared. Sixty-eight patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis who underwent this procedure during the period from 1974 through 1986 are presented. Conventional horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy was contraindicated in all cases. All but three patients (95.4%) recovered physiologic deglutition, and none required a permanent tracheostomy. The 3-year actuarial survival rate was 71.4%. No local recurrences were encountered. The indications for the procedure are carcinomas of the supraglottis that 1. involve the glottis and anterior commissure, 2. invade the ventricle, 3. present with a marked limitation of true vocal cord mobility (transglottic lesions), and 4. invade the thyroid cartilage. The procedure is presented as a useful alternative to radiation therapy, horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy in select cases of supraglottic carcinoma.     

Hemicricoidectomy for voice rehabilitation following hemilaryngectomy with ipsilateral arytenoid removal.

The purpose of this article is to describe an approach to reconstruction of the larynx after vertical partial laryngectomy with removal of the ipsilateral arytenoid cartilage. This method addresses the problem of postoperative posterior glottal incompetence (aphonia with or without aspiration). The technique involves resection of the ipsilateral half of the cricoid cartilage, use of an inferiorly based strap muscle flap for vocal fold reconstruction, and placement of a customized stent. This technique may be used at the time of the primary cancer extirpation or as a secondary rehabilitative procedure. Generally, patients who have undergone this procedure have had minimal postoperative breathiness with good phonatory and airway function. We recommend this reconstructive technique for patients with large posterior defects following hemilaryngectomy.     

梨状窝粘膜修复喉部分切除术后的粘膜缺损

目的 :探讨应用梨状窝粘膜修复喉部分切除术后粘膜缺损及恢复喉功能的效果。方法 :对 198例患者施行此术式 ,其中喉水平部分切除术 87例、喉垂直部分或扩大喉垂直部分切除术 6 5例、喉水平加垂直部分切除术 4 6例。同时进行随访观察。结果 :喉水平部分切除术者拔管率为 10 0 % ;术后发音、呼吸、吞咽功能恢复好 ;5年生存率为 84 .7%。喉垂直部分或扩大喉垂直部分切除术拔管率为 87.7% ;5年生存率 86 .2 % ;术后吞咽、呼吸功能恢复好 ,但有声音嘶哑。喉水平加垂直部分切除术后初期进食呛咳较重 ,训练适应时间较长 ,拔管率为82 .6 % ;5年生存率为 78.3% ;术后声音嘶哑 ,部分患者喉狭窄导致拔管困难。结论 :本方法操作简单 ,取材方便 ,手术时间较短 ,成活率高 ,术后喉功能保留好 ,患者的 5年生存率高。     

A novel approach to laryngeal suspension after partial laryngectomy

OBJECTIVES: Supraglottic laryngectomy is a well-established surgical therapy for selected carcinomas of the larynx and hypopharynx. Most compromised by this procedure and its variations is the laryngeal mechanism that protects the lower respiratory tract from aspiration. Laryngeal suspension serves to compensate for the loss of the resected laryngeal elevator muscles by pulling the larynx upward and forward beneath the tongue base. In this study we describe a method of laryngeal suspension in supraglottic laryngectomy using a cartilage-anchored suture carrier device. STUDY DESIGN: Report of this novel approach to laryngeal suspension using seven suture anchors in two patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. METHODS: Seven Mitek Micro anchors (Mitek, Westwood, MA) were used to perform laryngeal suspension in two patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. Our technique is compared with traditional methods. Operative data as well as postoperative functional results are reviewed. RESULTS: Laryngeal suspension using suture anchors was successful, with failure of only one anchor. Oral alimentation was quickly reestablished in both patients. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a novel approach to laryngeal suspension that overcomes some of the technical challenges inherent in traditional suturing techniques. This novel approach is technically easier and more efficient than traditional methods and accomplishes distribution of stress forces on the thyroid cartilage remnant.     

环状软骨上喉次全切除术及其疗效

目的 探讨环状软骨上喉次全切除术的可行性及其适应证。方法 选择自１９８８～１９９６年不宜行常规水平或垂直半喉部分切除术的Ｔ２和Ｔ３喉鳞癌患者２１例行环状软骨上喉次全切除术。声门上型９例,声门型１０例,跨声门型２例。临床分级：Ｔ２期１６例,Ｔ３期５例。手术切除范围;舌骨、甲状软骨板、会厌前间隙和声门旁间隙,保留环状软骨和至少一侧杓状骨或部分正常会厌软骨。吹功能重建主要采用环状软骨舌根（会厌舌根）吻合     

The role of partial laryngeal resection in current management of laryngeal cancer: a collective review

A spectrum of treatment plans and surgical procedures is available for management of early and moderately advanced laryngeal cancer. While the approach of chemotherapy and irradiation, or irradiation alone, followed by total laryngectomy for failure is often employed in practice by present day clinicians, the options of conventional conservation surgery (CCS), transoral endoscopic laser surgery (TLS) and supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) provide a wide choice of treatments that may help attain the goal of cure with preservation of laryngeal function and integrity of the airway. While CCS has been supplanted for many early-stage lesions by TLS and for more advanced stages by SCPL, centres throughout the world have reported favourable results with CCS, which is often modified to include resection of more extensive tumours than was previously possible. During the past decade a number of extended CCS procedures have been developed for management of glottic tumours involving both vocal cords and the anterior commissure, the paraglottic space and with vocal cord fixation, and for supraglottic tumours involving the glottis or hypopharynx. TLS has proved an effective, minimally invasive and functionally satisfactory procedure for management of suitable T1 and T2 glottic cancers, and stage I-III supraglottic cancers. The procedure may be effectively employed in combination with neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy when necessary, particularly for moderately advanced supraglottic carcinomas. SCPL has proven effective in management of glottic and supraglottic cancers of all stages, even with involvement of paraglottic space and thyroid cartilage, provided at least one arytenoid unit can be preserved with clear margins. Invasion of cricoid cartilage is the most significant limitation for this procedure. All three surgical approaches have been employed for irradiation failure, but with greatly increased failure and complication rates compared with the results of treatment of non-irradiated patients. Thus a decision to treat laryngeal cancer initially with irradiation may preclude a satisfactory result from partial laryngectomy should radiation fail. The treatment of laryngeal cancer should be individualized according to the size and extent of the tumour, the age and physical condition of the patient, and the skill and experience of the surgeon with various treatment modalities and surgical procedures.