title: Hypopharyngeal mucosal flap reconstruction in endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Preservation of voice, swallowing and airway is mandatory in early to moderately advanced supraglottic cancers. Here, we propose an endoscopic laryngoplasty to improve swallowing recovery in patients treated by extended CO₂ laser supraglottic laryngectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a new mucosal flap reconstruction technique in a cohort of seven laryngeal cancer patients with posterior extension, treated by CO₂ laser resection. Clinical endoscopic and videofluoroscopy postoperative exams were performed, and swallow function was tested by the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No early complications were observed. Absence of aspiration after two days in all cases was confirmed, and MDADI mean value result was 98.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest the harvest of a hypopharyngeal mucosal flap in all patients who require a laryngeal supraglottic posterior resection, with or without arytenoidectomy.
authors.affiliation: First Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Florence, AOU-Careggi, Via Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy. mannelli.giuditta@gmail.com
authors.forename: Giuditta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mannelli
authors.forename: Giampiero
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parrinello
authors.forename: Oreste
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gallo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome