Fat graft laryngoplasty after vertical partial laryngectomy

The goals of laryngeal reconstruction after vertical partial laryngectomy are to prevent aspiration and to achieve an adequate airway with satisfactory phonation. For the past 7 years, reconstruction using a free fat graft-pyriform sinus mucosal pedicle flap has been our major reconstructive technique at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center. In our series, 10 patients have had reconstruction using a fat graft, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Nine patients had T 2 and two patients had T 3 glottic carcinoma. Radiation therapy had failed in 7 of 11 patients. No recurrence of tumor has been reported during follow-ups of between 2 and 5 years. The voice was considered satisfactory to good in 10 patients and poor in one patient. Tracheotomy decannulation was performed at 6 weeks to 4 months. Complications occurred in five patients.