Transthyrohyoid access to the larynx for endoscopic resection of early-stage glottic cancer

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of transoral microsurgery for early-stage glottic cancer relies on the possibility to obtain adequate exposure of the lesion. The purpose of this study was to design a new surgical technique allowing efficient endoscopic removal of these tumors in patients with unsatisfactory transoral exposure.

Methods: A minimal invasive access to the glottis, made through the thyrohyoid membrane and the preepiglottic space, was used for endoscopic resection of an early-stage glottic tumor in a patient with a medical history of previous radiotherapy and unsatisfactory endoscopic exposure of the lesion.

Results: This approach provided excellent exposure of the glottis and allowed endoscopic resection with adequate surgical margins. The surgical procedure and the postoperative period were uneventful. Functional outcomes were back to baseline after 1 month.

Conclusion: This technique represents an attractive solution for patients presenting with early-stage glottic tumors that cannot be exposed transorally and have contraindications to alternative therapeutic procedures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1286-1289, 2016.

Keywords: early stage glottic cancer; endoscopic resection; laser; minimal invasive surgical approach; new surgical technique.