Neoglottic Reconstruction after Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

This paper is a preliminary report on neoglottic reconstruction of the larynx after total laryngectomy following the techniques described by Staffieri. Also included are general observations on the criteria for selecting candidates for this procedure. At the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, this procedure has been attempted on eight candidates. Reconstruction was accomplished in six, of whom five achieved satisfactory speech, providing an 80% success rate. One of the five did not like the quality of his voice and refused to use it. The sixth produced speech with difficulty and is still undergoing speech therapy. One patient died from recurrence before a second stage could be carried out, and another patient did not have sufficient tissue for neoglottic reconstruction after total laryngectomy. Three patients developed salivary fistulas at the drain site, but all closed spontaneously with the application of pressure. From this data, one may conclude that this technique offers much potential and warrants further study.