Construction of a pseudolarynx after laryngectomy and radical neck dissection. A preliminary report.
Voice rehabilitation is a major problem after laryngectomy. A new method to construct a pseudolarynx after total laryngectomy by suturing the trachea to the hyoid bone is described. The surgical technic is relatively simple. Patients are able to speak in the immediate postoperative period without intensive therapy. The quality of speech is good. Aspiration of liquids is a common problem, but in time patients learn to swallow with minimal or no aspiration. This procedure could be utilized in selected cases for good voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D037981:Neck Dissection; D013072:Speech, Esophageal