Thyroid cartilage flap reconstruction of the larynx following vertical partial laryngectomy: a preliminary report in two patients.

Reconstruction of the larynx following vertical partial laryngectomy may be undertaken with many techniques. Methods using soft tissue employ readily accessible structures within the operative field with straightforward reconstructive designs. However, decannulation is often delayed, and variable degrees of atrophy must be planned for. Methods using cartilage may lead to early decannulation without long-term atrophy as a problem. However, grafts or flaps are less accessible, and reconstructive designs are often complex. In addition, chondritis may be a significant problem, especially in radiated patients. A supraglottic thyroid cartilage flap is described that is readily accessible and maintains its blood supply from external and internal perichondrium, as well as internal mucosa. Its use is reserved for unilateral glottic lesions without supraglottic spread. Experience with this technique is described in two patients.