2006 Volume 32 Issue 3 Pages 368-372
Two of 82-year-old patients were operated on for high risk thyroid cancer with invasion to the aero-tract. In the first case, because the recurrent nerve could not be preserved, thyroplasty was simultaneously pertormed. In the other case, a few funicles of recurrent nerve could be preserved microscopically. Tracheo-cutaneous fistula enabled safe and easy post-operative care in both cases. Post-operative hoarseness was not severe in both cases. Both cases could take oral nutrition without aspiration within a few days after the operation. Active radical surgery for advanced aged patients with invasion to the aero-tract is recommended.
