2012 Volume 63 Issue 6 Pages 423-429
Objective : To morphologically analyze the three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the neoglottis after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCL-CHEP).
Patients and Methods : Multidetector-row CT scanning was performed for 17 patients who received SCL-CHEP. The fine-cut CT image was evaluated at a slice thickness of 1.25 mm. Then 3-D models of the neoglottis were reconstructed using INTAGE Realia (KGT Inc) on a Windows computer. In this study, ossification of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages and the virtual neoglottic airway were visualized on the 3-D images.
Results : 1) Mobility of arytenoid cartilages : In patients with bilateral arytenoids remaining, mobility of the arytenoids was well preserved. The mobility was even better in patients with only one arytenoid. There were no findings suggesting arytenoid dislocation. 2) Morphology of the airway : Two types of airway configuration, one with a single stream and the other with a combination of several streams, were observed during phonation. There were significant differences between these two groups in terms of VHI analyses.
Discussion : Because neoglottis morphology is directly related to postoperative phonetic function, 3D images of arytenoid mobility and airway configuration demonstrated useful information related to the post SCL-CHEP neoglottis. This information may be useful for improving the surgical technique so that better laryngeal function can be attained.
