Laryngeal reconstruction with porous high-density polyethylene.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of the Medpor (Porex Surgical, College Park, GA) implant in laryngeal reconstruction and to discuss potential indications of this material in head and neck surgeries. METHOD: Twelve rabbits were used in this particular study. Laryngoplasties were performed by extracting 5 x 10-mm thyroid cartilage and replacing it with Medpor implant. Animals were sacrificed in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks and 2, 6, and 9 months after implantation. The degree of fibrous capsule formation, histiocytic reaction, foreign body giant cell reaction, lymphocytic and neutrophilic reactions, vocal fold changes, and hyaline cartilage formation in the implant bed were evaluated. RESULTS: Fibrous capsule was formed around the implant in 2 weeks. Four weeks after the implantation cellular reaction in the implant bed decreased significantly. Foreign body giant cell reaction was detected only the first 2 weeks after the implantation. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the Medpor implant can be safely used in laryngeal reconstruction.