Microflap Technique

Abstract

The microflap technique is a basic technique used for microlaryngeal surgeries. It enables the removal of diseased lesions/material in the superior layer of the lamina propria without disturbing the intact epithelial membrane of the vocal fold. This surgical option was introduced as a technique suitable for managing diseases including vocal fold polyps, nodules, cysts, and Reinke’s edema. As this technique can also be used to finely detach the epithelial membrane from the deeper layers of the vocal fold, it has been further applied to the management of vocal fold leukoplakia and papilloma located in the membranous vocal fold. In this review, the concept of this technique, as well as the history and anatomy of the vibratory vocal fold, are summarized along with two typical cases.