Effective traction using a clip with rubber band and grasping forceps in endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery.

Abstract

The number of detected pharyngeal tumors has been increasing. Endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery (ELPS) is often performed for these tumors and can be an effective method of preserving speech and swallowing functions. ELPS is also useful for superficial pharyngeal tumors [1] [2]. Conventionally, laryngeal forceps are used to directly grasp and retract the lesion; however, only limited endoscope maneuvering is possible owing to interference between the laryngeal forceps and the endoscope ([Fig. 1]) [3]. To avoid this interference, we customized a clip (ZEOCLIP; Zeon Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan) by attaching a rubber band ([Fig. 2]). This clip has mainly been used for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection, and there are some reports confirming its effectiveness [4] [5]; however, there are no reports about its effectiveness in ELPS. Herein, we report our experience performing ELPS using this customized clip ([Video 1]).