Abstract
Objective : Supracricoid Laryngectomy with Cricohyoidoepiglotto-pexy (SCL-CHEP) is a laryngeal preservation surgical modality for laryngeal carcinoma. We have performed this procedure since 1997. We herein report the swallowing recovery of a patient who received SCL-CHEP 12 years ago. Case : A 70-year-old male with glottic cancer (rT2N0M0) received SCL-CHEP in November 1997. The swallowing functions recovered in the patient after one month of intensive rehabilitation. Under videofluorographic examination, aspiration disappeared after the swallowing rehabilitation. The patient's past history of interstitial pneumonia did not affect the post-operative functions, such as aspiration pneumonia. The patient received abdominal endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia seven years after SCL-CHEP ; this did not affect the patient's swallowing function. The patient is over 80 years of age and maintains the ability to take regular meals and water within 20 minutes. Discussion : In this particular case, aspiration was not evident in recent examinations. In general, swallowing function deteriorates with increasing age. In the present case, a good swallowing function was maintained. This demonstrated that a good swallowing function following SCL-CHEP can be maintained in patients who are over 80 years of age.
