Extending the inferior limits of supracricoid partial laryngectomy: a clinicopathological correlation

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The study examined preoperative clinical characteristics that can be used to predict secure inferior margins of glottic squamous cell carcinoma extending toward the cricoid cartilage when performing organ preservation surgery of the larynx. STUDY DESIGN: The study was retrospectively performed using 31 serially sectioned whole-organ total laryngectomy specimens with associated preoperative clinical data. METHODS: Histopathologic and clinical variables including true vocal cord (TVC) fixation, cricoarytenoid joint invasion, subglottic extension (SGE) of tumor, and prior radiation were examined as independent and multivariate correlates of cricoid cartilage invasion. RESULTS: All tumors with subglottic extension of 15 mm or less and without arytenoid fixation were free of cricoid invasion. Of tumors invading cricoid with subglottic extension of 15 mm or less, all had a fixed arytenoid cartilage and local cricoid invasion type only. Correcting for subglottic extension using multivariate analysis, cricoarytenoid joint invasion and fixed true vocal cord independently predicted cricoid invasion. However, in a multivariate model together, true vocal cord mobility adds no predictive power to cricoarytenoid joint invasion. Prior radiation of the larynx did not significantly change the predictive capacity of these variables. CONCLUSION: Preoperative assessment of arytenoid mobility and extent of subglottic extension are reliable predictors of cricoid invasion by glottic squamous cell carcinoma. Organ preservation surgery is oncologically safe in the setting of glottic squamous cell carcinoma with subglottic extension of 15 mm or less and without arytenoid fixation.     

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。     

喉环上部分切除喉腔成形术

目的 探讨提高中晚期喉癌生存率,避免或减轻术后呛咳程度,提高发音质量的方法。方法 40例中晚期喉癌采用次全喉切除术,保留一侧或两侧杓状软骨,用带蒂甲状软骨膜或肌膜,于一侧杓状软骨和环状软骨或第一气管环5点或7点处之间缝合重建声带,并将切除的杓状软骨处加高成形再建杓区。环舌固定。结果 3年、5年生存率分别为85．0％（34／40）和76．2％（16／21）。 吞咽无呛咳36例（90．0％）,轻度呛咳4例;发音良好37例（92．5％）;拔管率为92．5％（37例）。结论 喉次全切除带蒂软骨膜环杓连接喉功能重建术,在不影响生存率和拔管率的同时,有效防止了误吸,提高了发音质量。     

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.     

Laryngeal function-preserving operation for T4a laryngeal cancer with vocal cord paralysis — A case report

For locally advanced laryngeal cancers, the standard treatment of choice is chemoradiotherapy if organ function needs to be conserved. Surgical treatment with larynx preservation is conducted only for limited cases. For locally advanced laryngeal cancers such as those with vocal cord fixation and/or cricoid cartilage destruction, there is no apparent standardized organ-preserving surgery keeping the essential laryngeal functions, viz. the airway, deglutition and articulation, uncompromized.Recently, our surgical team saw a patient with T4a advanced laryngeal cancer with vocal cord fixation who aspired to maintain his laryngeal function. Driven by his eagerness, we contrived novel techniques for laryngeal function preservation and performed a two-staged operation.In the first stage, extended vertical partial laryngectomy was conducted including resection of the affected thyroid, arytenoid, and cricoid cartilages, followed by local closure of the hypopharynx. Additionally, laryngeal suspension surgery and cricopharyngeal myotomy were performed in addition to suturing the epiglottis with the intact arytenoid cartilage to enhance swallowing function. In the second stage, airway reconstruction was performed using a local skin flap.As of 10 months after operation, there has been no tumor recurrence, and the reconstructed larynx has been working satisfactorily.In this report we describe an innovative operation that was especially contrived for laryngeal function preservation.     

环状软骨上喉部分切除环舌根会厌吻合术保留一侧杓状软骨手术方法及发声的观察

目的：探讨环状软骨上喉部分切除环舌根会厌吻合术中保留一侧杓状软骨的手术方法及在改善患者术后发声的作用。方法：26例双声带受累的声门型喉癌（T1b、T2和T3分别为11、12和3例）病变重侧均行半喉全部切除,病变轻侧声带受累未超过膜部的2／3,离杓状软骨的声带突尚有3mm的安全界,在保留杓状软骨的同时保留该侧甲状软骨板后下1／3,以防喉返神经损伤,从而确保杓状软骨的正常运动。上提修复后的残喉体与舌根、会厌吻合,重建新喉。结果：全部病例术后7～23d内恢复正常饮食。25例拔除气管套管,拔管率为96．2％（25／26）。全部病例恢复了发声功能,术后有不同程度的声嘶,18例发声时有响声,能胜任室内言语交流,言语可被清楚理解;8例发声时响度较低,1m内近距离言语交流无障碍,在安静环境下言语可被清楚理解。术后无咽瘘和肺部并发症,2例局部感染者7d内治愈。术后局部复发率为3．8％（1／26）,颈部淋巴结转移率为3．8％（1／26）。用直接法计算生存率,术后满3年者17例,死亡1例、失访1例,3年生存率为88．2％（15／17）;术后满5年者10例,死亡2例,5年生存率为80．0％（8／10）。结论：经过选择的双声带受累病例,保留一侧杓状软骨有助于改善患者术后发声质量。杓状软骨主动的前内方向运动和会厌的相向运动可能是发声质量得以改善的原因。     

Injection laryngoplasty according to the pathologic condition

Injection laryngoplasty is done based on the pathologic condition of the larynx. Autologous fat was harvested and endolaryngeal microsurgery conducted for injection laryngoplasty under general anesthesia. For glottic incompetence caused by bilateral atrophy of vocal fold mucosa lamina propria, autologous fat was injected into vocal fold mucosa and into the muscle just below mucosa. For glottic incompetence with a unilateral midcord gap caused by unilateral atrophy of the vocalis muscle, fat was injected into the thyroarytenoid muscle at the membranous portion of the vocal fold. In a patient with a unilateral midcord gap and a large posterior gap, autologous fat was injected into the thyroarytenoid muscle lateral to the oblong fovea of the arytenoid cartilage to arytenoid adduction. For glottic incompetence with a unilateral midcord gap and a large posterior gap, consequently afflicted with voice disorder and aspiration, fat was injected into the vocal fold, false vocal fold, aryepiglottic fold of the larynx, and the medial wall of the piriform sinus of the hypopharynx. Lipoinjection into the vocal fold, false vocal fold, and aryepiglottic fold enabled laryngeal closure. Lipoinjection into the piriform sinus lowered its capacity and residual food was reduced and pharyngeal clearance on the affected side was improved. The injected portion and the amount of injected material should be modified at injection laryngoplasty based on the pathologic condition of the larynx.     

Spontaneous dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage

Dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage occurs following medical instrumentation involving the laryngeal cavity or laryngeal injury from outside the larynx. We reported a case of spontaneously posterior dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage. A 53 year-old man suffering from suddenly recurring aphonia and its improvement many over 3 months without laryngeal injury or inducement eventually ceased to improve. Laryngoscopic findings showed that the left vocal fold was tensely prolonged and the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage on the left side was dislocated posterolaterally. X-ray videofluorography of the larynx on repetitive phonation of /he/ showed abnormally high and diagonal displacement of the vocal fold and the upper structure of the arytenoid cartilage on the left side. Palpating the cricoarytenoid joint on the left side showed abnormal swelling with tenderness. Electomyography of the intrinsic laryngeal muscle on the left side showed normal action potential. From these findings, we diagnosed his voice disorder as spontaneously posterior dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage. We manually reduced it by pulling up a balloon inserted from the piriform sinus of the affected side to the esophagus.     

Rapid prototyping of the larynx for laryngeal frame work surgery

A detailed understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the larynx is important for determining appropriate methods and approaches for laryngeal frame work surgery. In this study, a 3D laryngeal model was constructed based on postoperative helical CT data obtained after lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (LCA) pull surgery (Iwamura) for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The anatomical configurations of the arytenoid cartilages and the optimal approaches for laryngeal frame work surgery were then examined. A 3D model of the human larynx was prototyped using a selective laser sintering method. A compound powder of plastic nylon and an inorganic substance (glass beads) was used as the raw material. The cricoid cartilage and the arytenoid cartilages were prototyped, and the configurations of the arytenoid cartilages were evaluated. The results were similar to those of previous reports. The arytenoid cartilage of the unaffected side moved downward while adducting, and the vocal process moved inwards and downwards. On the other hand, the paralyzed arytenoid cartilage moved neither inward nor downward, and the vocal process was fixed at an outer and upper position. Next, the thyroid cartilage was added to the model to determine the optimal location of the window in the thyroid cartilage for the LCA pull surgery. The window after the first surgery was largened using a surgical drill. The 3D prototype model was useful for understanding the complex configurations of the laryngeal anatomy, and to determine the optimal approaches for laryngeal frame work surgery, etc.     

Thyroid gland flap minimizes mucosal defects at supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy

Wound infection is a major complication after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) for radiation therapy failure. A 60-year-old man received chemoradiotherapy for a glottic carcinoma. CHEP, reusing the thyroid gland flap (TF), was performed because the cancer recurred after a salvage vertical partial laryngectomy following radiation therapy failure. The TF was sutured to the supraglottis and cricoid cartilage mucosa to minimize mucosal defects before the hyoid bone and cricoid cartilage were sutured. Wound healing after CHEP was good without infection. After decannulation, oral food intake was possible without aspiration, and speech function was comparable to that of other patients who had supracricoid partial laryngectomies. Histopathological examination revealed a close connection between the TF and its surrounding tissues without fibrous scarring. TF may improve wound healing after CHEP for radiation failure by minimizing mucosal defects.     

正常儿童喉部的超声解剖学研究

目的探讨正常儿童喉部的超声影像学表现。方法对照研究3个儿童离体喉标本相应断面的声像图与组织大切片,确认甲状软骨、杓状软骨、环状软骨、会厌软骨、会厌前间隙、声门旁间隙、室带、声带、喉室、杓肌的超声表现;然后对33名正常儿童进行喉部超声检查,确认各结构声像图表现。结果正常儿童甲状软骨为盾形等回声结构;杓状软骨为低回声结构,横断面为镰刀形,纵切面为类三角形;横断面环状软骨为"n"形低回声结构,纵切面显示环状软骨板为类长方形等回声结构;会厌软骨为细带状等回声结构;会厌前间隙和声门旁间隙是高回声结构;声带为长三角形等回声结构;室带为高回声结构。杓肌表现为双侧杓状软骨后方的等回声。结论超声对儿童喉部甲状软骨、杓状软骨、环状软骨、会厌软骨、会厌前间隙、声门旁间隙、室带、声带和杓肌显示良好。     

Respiratory complications after supracricoid partial laryngectomy

The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence, treatment, and prevention of early and late respiratory complications in a series of patients who had supracricoid partial laryngectomies with either cricohyoidoepiglottopexy or cricohyoidopexy. From medical charts, we retrospectively reviewed 101 patients who underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomies, from 1980 to 2006, for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and recorded the various postoperative complications and the time of decannulation. The mortality rate was 3.96%. Early complications included broncho-pulmonary infections and laryngeal stenoses which occurred in 9.9%. Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between the pulmonary complications and neck dissections (p < 0.04). Later, they were due to laryngeal obstruction (neolaryngeal mucosal flap, residual false vocal cord fold or arytenoid edema). The median decannulation time was 8 days, and there was a significant relationship between the decannulation delay and the pulmonary complications. Only two patients had a later definitive tracheotomy. Respiratory complications after supracricoid partial laryngectomy are frequent, but can be easily managed in most cases. A preoperative pulmonary assessment is necessary to select patients. During surgery, a precise impaction of the hyoid bone with the cricoid cartilage and a repositioning of an arytenoid can avoid some postoperative stenoses.     

Geometric characterization of the laryngeal cartilage framework for the purpose of biomechanical modeling.

Some new anatomic data on the laryngeal cartilage framework have been obtained for the biomechanical modeling of the larynx. This study attempted to define and measure some biomechanically important morphometric features of the laryngeal framework, including both the human and the canine laryngeal frameworks, because the canine larynx has been frequently used as an animal model in gross morphology and in physiological experiments. The larynges of 9 men, 7 women, and 9 dogs were harvested and dissected after death. Linear and angular geometric measurements on the thyroid cartilage, the cricoid cartilage, and the arytenoid cartilage were made with a digital caliper and a protractor, respectively. The results are useful for constructing quantitative biomechanical models of vocal fold vibration and posturing (abduction and adduction), eg, continuum mechanical models and finite-element models of the vocal folds.     

Cricohyoepiglottopexy: long-term results in 55 patients

Near total laryngectomy with cricohyoepiglottopexy (CHEP) allows cure of glottic carcinomas with voice preservation. The subject of this study was to evaluate CHEP in terms of tumour control and functional result in T1 and T2 glottic carcinomas. This study reviewed retrospectively 55 consecutive cases of CHEP performed between January 1, 1981 and September 1, 1992 with the exclusion of post-radiotherapy salvage surgery. CHEP was indicated for a T1a limit to the anterior commissure and/or with dysplasia of the other vocal fold (10 cases), T1b (11 cases) and T2 (34 cases) glottic carcinomas. All our patients have a follow-up of more than five years. The post-operative course after this surgery was generally uneventful. The median time to decannulation was 18 days, to removal of the nasogastric tube was 15 days and to discharge from hospital was 23 days. No significant difference was observed according to the preservation of one or both arytenoid cartilages. The long-term functional result can be considered to be good in three-quarters of cases, with normal oral swallowing and an easily understood voice. The remaining one quarter had a whispery voice and sometimes episodes of aspiration when swallowing liquids. In terms of oncological results, the five-year recurrence-free survival rate was 94 per cent for T1 and 84 per cent for T2. The ultimate tumour control (taking into account four cases of total laryngectomy) was 94 per cent for T1 and 93 per cent for T2. Primary surgery by CHEP therefore appears to be a good option for early glottic carcinomas. The main problem remains that voice recovery is mediocre in one quarter of patients.     

Development of endoscopic arytenoid adduction using cricoid implant

OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a less-invasive alternative to conventional arytenoid adduction using a cricoid implant. METHODS: We performed a preliminary study with excised human and canine larynges. A nail-shaped stainless steel rod and an insertion device were designed for an in vivo animal trial. After unilateral recurrent laryngeal denervation surgery in 5 adult mongrel dogs, the implants were inserted endoscopically through a small mucosal incision over the cricoarytenoid joint. Acoustic and aerodynamic data were obtained from each animal before serial euthanasia followed by examination of the excised larynges. RESULTS: The canine cricoid cartilage demonstrated adequate marrow space for implantation. We found that the arytenoid cartilage was successfully medialized and tightly fixed over a sufficient period of time just by inserting an implant in the cricoid cartilage. The animal study showed that the implantation procedure was relatively easy and relatively safe. Acoustic and aerodynamic studies confirmed the functional improvement of the voice. Histopathologic study revealed a favorable tissue response to the implant. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic arytenoid adduction using a cricoid implant is feasible and could be a noninvasive surgical option for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.     

Extended supracricoid laryngectomy with excision of both arytenoids: the modified reconstructive laryngectomy

CONCLUSION: Modified reconstructive laryngectomy (MRL) with excision of both arytenoid cartilages will expand the range of indications for conservative surgery in the management of cancer of the larynx. OBJECTIVE: The present work describes a modification of the standard reconstructive laryngectomy procedure, in order to address problems related to aspiration, and to improve functional results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Cairo University Hospital. MRL was performed on 14 patients who were scheduled for total laryngectomy. This technique allows for preservation of the superior laryngeal nerves, by fashioning folds of the pharyngeal mucosa to replace the arytenoids. This is followed by reconstruction of the airway through elevation and attachment of the remaining tracheal rings and/or cricoid to the hyoid bone and epiglottis. RESULTS: MRL was successful in all of the 14 patients included in this preliminary study. All of the patients maintained comprehensible speech, and only one required a speaking type of tracheotomy tube.     

Arytenoid vocal shunt in laryngectomized patients.

A method is presented for forming short, mucosa-lined vocal shunt in cases of supracricoid laryngectomy with preservation of one or two arytenoids, or the interarytenoid fold alone. On the basis of radiologic and particularly radiocinematographic examinationion of the anterior pharyngeal wall is of paramount importance. In cases of complete absence of leakage, said wall lies in the plane of the arytenoids or somewhat posteriorly. After simple supracricoid laryngectomy it is possible to prevent aspiration also by translocation of the anterior pharyngeal wall into the plane of the cricoid cartilage plate. The clinical experience with this supracricoid shunt is still scanty. Of 25 cases with the arytenoid vocal shunt, phonation was possible in 22 cases under the expiratory pressure of 20-45 cm H2O; in one under the more elevated pressure, and in the last two the result is still not known. Loudness of speech was 70-100 db and its comprehensibility 73-90 percent. Complete absence of leakage was observed in 17 cases, "practical" prevention of aspiration (some drops of thin fluids, no saliva) in seven cases, profuse leakage in one case (ceased after correction), In the last 10 consecutive cases the problem of aspiration was completely eliminated. Advantages and disadvantages of our own method in comparison with Asai's method have been presented.     

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     

扩大垂直半喉切除术和环状软骨舌骨会厌吻合术疗效观察和术后评估

目的 扩大垂直半喉切除和传统喉环状软骨上部分切除环舌骨会厌吻合术(cricochyoidoepiglottopexy,CHEP)的疗效和术后评估的比较.方法 回顾性分析1998-2005年扩大垂直半喉切除患者和传统喉环状软骨上部分切除环舌骨会厌吻合术式患者临床资料.扩大垂直半喉切除方法为:按类似扩大垂直半喉术式的方法切除健侧声带、室带及1/3至2/3左右的甲状软骨板,保留健侧环杓关节,切除患侧声带、室带、患侧活动受限或固定的杓状软骨及患侧2/3左右甲状软骨板,保留双侧甲状软骨板的后缘,直接将环状软骨上提和舌骨会厌固定吻合.扩大垂直半喉切除组(简称改良组):37例声门型喉癌,T2 16例,T3 21例.传统CHEP组:34例声门型喉癌,T2 12例,T321例,T4 1例.结果 Kaplan-Meier法统计生存率,改良组的3年累积生存率为91.7%,传统CHEP组为87.5%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).改良组的5年累积生存率为80.6%,传统CHEP组为81.3%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).术后拔管率改良组为100.0%(37/37),传统CHEP组为94.1%(32/34),两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).术后拔管平均时间((x-)±s)改良组为(14.0±2.3)d,传统CHEP组为(19.0±4.6)d,两组差异有统计学意义(t=5.80,P<0.001).术后8周评价误咽发生率,改良组为2.7%(1/37),传统CHEP组为23.5%(8/34),两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后误咽呛咳评分通过Ridit分析,结果表明两组之间差异有统计学意义(U=7.341,P<0.001),改良组误咽呛咳的不适症状明显轻于传统CHEP组.结论 扩大垂直半喉切除在肿瘤根治上和传统CHEP术式无差别,而在喉功能保全上优于传统CHEP术式.