[Application of epiglottis in laryngeal reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the application value of epiglottis in laryngeal reconstruction after partial laryngectomy.

METHODS: The data of 168 patients, 25 with supraglottic carcinoma (T1N0 2, T2N0 10, T2N1 1, T2N2 1, T3N0 7, T3N2 1, T4N0 2, and T4N2 1), 140 with glottic carcinoma (T1N0 36, T1N1 1, T2N0 52, T2N1 1, T2N2 1, T3N0 40, T3N2 2, T4N0 6, and T4N2 1), and 3 with subglottic carcinoma (T3N0 1, and T4N0 2), who underwent partial laryngectomy from 1982 to 1999 were summarized. The choice of surgical procedure was decided on the pathology of the larynx. Epiglottis was used in larynx reconstruction.

RESULTS: Out of the 168 cases, 135 cases were decannulated with a decannulation rate of 80.36%, regained deglutation, recovered all laryngeal functions, and resumed normal diet. None presented complication of accidental aspiration. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 89.48% and 74.14% respectively.

CONCLUSION: Epiglottis has many advantages in laryngeal reconstruction.