Corniculate-Cuneiform Flap for Reconstruction in the Extended Vertical Partial Laryngectomy

• Published in: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology Vol. 107; no. 4; pp. 297 - 300
• Main Authors: Persky, Mark S., Damiano, Angela
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-1998; Annals Publishing Compagny; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arytenoid Cartilage - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - surgery; Female; Head and neck surgery. Maxillofacial surgery. Dental surgery. Orthodontics; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Laryngectomy - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract; Surgical Flaps; Vocal Cords - surgery; partial laryngectomy; reconstruction; Human; Reconstruction; Vertical; Carcinoma; Plastic surgery; Malignant tumor; Vocal cord; Laryngectomy; Retrospective; Result; Treatment; Partial; Surgery; ENT disease; Larynx disease; Technique; Flap (surgery)
• ISSN: 0003-4894; 1943-572X
• DOI: 10.1177/000348949810700407

The extended vertical partial laryngectomy involves removal of the vocal cord and adjacent arytenoid cartilage. Arytenoid sacrifice predisposes the patient to postoperative aspiration, since adequate laryngeal closure during swallowing cannot be accomplished. Various techniques have been previously described for reconstruction of this defect. We present five patients who had reconstruction of this area with a local, mucosally based corniculate-cuneiform flap. All patients were decannulated, had no long-term aspiration, maintained socially acceptable voice quality, and had no tumor recurrence with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Our preliminary data suggest that this flap can be used in previously irradiated patients. The corniculate-cuneiform flap is an effective method of reconstruction in patients undergoing an extended vertical partial laryngectomy.