Application of Epiglottis in Laryngeal Reconstruction

Purpose To explore the value of application of epiglottis in laryngeal reconstruction.Methods The data of 38 patients who underwent laryngeal reconstruction with epiglottis from 1999 to 2003 were analyzed retrospectively,in which 30 cases were with laryngocarcinoma(4 cases with supraglottic carcinoma,25 cases with glottic carcinoma and 1 cases with subglottic carcinoma),8 cases with cancer of hypopharynx.Laryngeal reconstruction was per- formed using epioglottis in all the patients.Results Functional recovery in peroral feeding and phonation were found in all the patients after surgery.The 3-year survival cases/followed up cases of the laryngocarcinoma and hypopharyngeal car- cinoma were 25/30 and 5/8,and the 5-year,11/15 and 2/4,respectively.Conclusion Epiglottis is a feasible and reliable material in laryngeal reconstruction.(Chin J Ophthalmol and Otorhinolaryngol,2007,7:155-157)