Combined rotary door flap and epiglottic laryngoplasty for reconstruction of large laryngotracheal defects in dogs.

Reconstruction of large laryngotracheal defects may require simultaneous application of more than one surgical technique. This paper reports the advantages gained by combining epiglottic laryngoplasty with the myocutaneous sternohyoid muscle rotary door flap. The two procedures complement each other in achieving structural and functional rehabilitation of extensive defects in the larynx and trachea. Avoidance of intraluminal stents and use of a tracheostomy procedure that does not require an indwelling cannula have yielded improved results.