UNILATERAL ARYTENOIDECTOMY FOR INTRACTABLE ASPIRATION FOLLOWING SUPRACRICOID LARYNGECTOMY: A CASE OF SURGICAL DILEMMA

Abstract

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is a procedure in which the functions of the larynx are preserved. Swallowing difficulties is the most common functional impairment following SCPL. It has been suggested that sparing the arytenoid cartilages is beneficial for the rapid recovery of the swallowing function after SCPL. In this case report we present a 67-year-old male who underwent SCPL in 2015, in which both arytenoid cartilages were preserved. Following the procedure, the patient had severe aspiration and swallowing problems. In order to save the patient from total laryngectomy a one sided arytenoidectomy was performed successfully. The patient no longer required his gastrostomy tube afer 3 months.