Function evaluation of laryngeal reconstruction using infrahyoid muscle after partial laryngectomy in 37 patients

Abstract

Treatment of small laryngeal cancerous lesions (T1 and T2) is based on partial endoscopic or open surgery and radiotherapy. In addition to the oncological imperative, these techniques must optimally preserve the functions of breathing, swallowing and phonation. ObjectiveTo analyze the above functions in patients treated with supracricoid laryngectomy and reconstruction using infrahyoid muscle. Materials and methodsBreathing, swallowing and phonation were analyzed in 37patients treated in two institutes between 2005 and 2015. All patients undergoing the above type of reconstruction with a minimum 1year's follow-up were included. Respiratory study noted any tracheotomy and measured peak inspiratory flow. Preservation of cricoarytenoid units and nasogastric intubation time, and DHI-30 self-administered questionnaire results were collected to analyze swallowing function. Phonation was assessed on the VHI-30 self-administered questionnaire. ResultsThe rate of primary surgery without tracheotomy was 64.9% (13patients), with rapid resumption of oral feeding (mean intubation time, 13days). Mean VHI score was 28.3 and mean DHI 30score 2.7. Mean peak inspiratory flow was 203.3mL/min. ConclusionSupracricoid laryngectomy with reconstruction using subhyoid muscle is an alternative technique for the treatment of small laryngeal cancerous lesions, providing uncomplicated functional outcome.