OBJECTIVETo discuss the method to reconstruct laryngeal defect after vertical partial laryngectomy with resection of arytenoid cartilage.

METHODSLaryngeal defect was reconstructed with local tissues after vertical partial laryngectomy with resection of arytenoid cartilage on 87 patients with laryngeal carcinoma of glottic type (T1 7 cases, T2 54 cases, T3 26 cases). All the lesions invaded arytenoid area or vocal process. No filling tissues were used to increase the height of affected arytenoid area and no skin flap or other tissues were used to reconstruct the vocal cord in all the patients.

RESULTSAll the patients recovered normal swallow in 8 to 19 days postoperation and restored phonation. The decannulation rate was 98.9% (86/87). There were no pharyngeal fistula and pulmonary complications after operation. Local infection occurred in 3 patients and was cured in 7 days. The rate of local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastasis were 8.0% (7/87), 6.9% (6/87) respectively. Lost patients were assumed to death and direct method was used to calculate survival rate. In 87 patients postoperative period was above 3 years, 5 died in 3 years and 3 were lost 3- year survival rate was 90.8% (79/87). In 63 patients postoperative period was above 5 years, 10 died in 5 years and 2 were lost. 5- year survival rate was 81.0% (51/63).

CONCLUSIONSUtilizing local tissues to reconstruct laryngeal defect after vertical partial laryngectomy with resection of arytenoid cartilage will not lead to severe dysphagia. Phonation is acceptable. It not only saves the operation time but also avoids the negative effects of immoderate reparation.