Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Surgical closure of the larynx (SCL) is a method to prevent aspiration that sacrifices vocal function. The aim of this report was to introduce our new surgical method and perform clinical analysis of these cases.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective review.
METHODS
We performed 32 cases of surgical closure using our original method in two institutions from 2003 to 2011. We analyzed leakage and other complications and pre- and postoperative routes of nutrition.
RESULTS
The main feature of our method is reduction of the entire structure of the larynx. To reduce the laryngeal space, we excised both edges of the cut thyroid cartilage. Sutures were made collectively in upper flaps (false folds) and lower flaps (vocal folds), with no need for insertion of a hinged muscle flap. No clinical leakage was encountered in any cases, and aspiration pneumonia was completely prevented postoperatively. Most patients (56%) became able to ingest orally alone or in combination with tube feeding.
CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of aspiration pneumonia is very important in medical management, and we believe that our method offers a good means by which to achieve this goal.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Takano S, Goto T, Kabeya M, Tayama N

Institution

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. stakano@hosp.ncgm.go.jp

Source

The Laryngoscope 122:6 2012 Jun pg 1273-8

MeSH

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Cohort Studies
Deglutition Disorders
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Graft Rejection
Graft Survival
Humans
Japan
Laryngoplasty
Larynx
Male
Middle Aged
Pneumonia, Aspiration
Quality of Life
Retrospective Studies
Risk Assessment
Surgical Flaps
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22565396