Abstract
Objective: The arytenoid is one of the components of sphincteric function of the larynx, and arytenoid resection during supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) may negatively affect the functional results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional results in patients who underwent unilateral arytenoidectomy during SCPL.
Method: Retrospectively reviewed medical records of 116 patients who received SCPL. Regarding the extended procedure of unilateral arytenoidectomy, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Nonextended group and extended group. We evaluated and compared the functional results between the 2 groups.
Results: There was a significantly higher rate of aspiration pneumonia (P = .003*), delay of oral feeding (P = .038*), and longer hospitalization time (P = .008*) in the extended group. There was no significant difference in the score of “normalcy of diet,” “eating in public,” and “understandibility of speech” of PSS-HNS (Performance status scale for head and neck cancer patients) at last follow-up between the 2 groups (P = .675, P = .645, P = 1.000).
Conclusion: Resection of the arytenoid may interrupt physiologic airway protection in the early postoperative period, so special cautions may be needed to prevent aspiration pneumonia. However, extended SCPL including arytenoidectomy allows avoidance of functional handicap and social maladjustment.
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